Andre Brown might not be done for good, but the New York Giants know they must replace him no matter what. The running back is being placed on the injured reserve with designation to return list. He will miss at least the first seven weeks of the season after suffering a broken leg. This leaves the run game in a state of flux as the Giants prepare to find someone to pair alongside David Wilson.
Per multiple league sources, the Giants worked out three veteran running backs on Tuesday. Beanie Wells, Jonathan Dwyer and Leon Washington were all at the facilities, but all left unsigned. All three running backs were presumed stars at one point or another. The Giants are targeting experience over everything.
Head coach Tom Coughlin told the media that the team was considering signing a veteran to replace Brown. They are waiting to find out the true timetable for his return before making a signing. Brown suffered the injury in the preseason finale against the Patriots. He will miss six weeks of practice and will be eligible to return on Week 8 of the season.
At this moment the depth chart behind Wilson offers little inspiration. Michael Cox is seventh-round draft pick this season. Da'Rel Scott was drafted in 2011 and has 25 rushing yards to his name. Proven talent is something the team needs right now. Coughlin will take a look at the roll Wilson will play this year before deciding on what kind of back to sign. The starter could see time at short-yardage situation if need be.
"I don't have a problem with that at all," Coughlin said, via NJ.com. "That's not an issue for me. He's powerful. He's compact. He has tremendous leg strength, which is his forte. For him to run the ball in short yardage and goal line, I don't have an issue with that at all."
Dwyer is the best available back at this time. He was expected to be the lead back in Pittsburgh before a lackluster preseason led to his release. He is strong with yards after contact and has a big body to handle the short-yardage situations. He is also an exceptional blocker in pass protection, something Wilson struggles at.
Washington certainly has the resume of an experienced veteran. He has spent time on three different teams and is tied for the NFL record for most touchdowns on a kickoff return. He excels as both a runner and a receiver. Wells was a star in college but never panned out in the NFL. Injuries have hurt his career.
Sources report the Giants will wait until after Week One to decide on whether or not to sign a veteran. The team will take a look at the depth chart and salary requirements before making a move.
