The New York Giants offense was largely missing in action during Monday’s 24-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, although fantasy owners relying on their running backs did receive boosts from Orleans Darkwa and Paul Perkins.
Darkwa found the end zone, while Perkins broke free for a 67-yard reception off a screen pass. Even Bobby Rainey was somewhat productive in the passing attack.
All three saw time because New York’s running back situation is rife with injuries. Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com noted before the game Rashad Jennings is dealing with a thumb injury but could have been available in emergency, while Shane Vereen is out for the year with a triceps setback.
Here is a look at the Monday numbers from the running backs who were healthy:
Orleans Darkwa
The touchdown saved what would have been a lackluster showing, but fantasy owners can take solace knowing Darkwa was the clear workhorse without Jennings on the field. The Giants were behind for much of the game, which limited his carries, but he appears to be the go-to back as long as Jennings isn’t healthy.
This also marked the second straight game Darkwa found the end zone as a featured part of the offense.
His overall upside is limited since Jennings will likely return in the near future after being almost available on Monday, but it is worth stashing Darkwa on your bench in case there is a setback. He demonstrated he has a nose for the end zone and can take advantage of goal-line looks.
Bobby Rainey
Vereen was largely used in the passing attack, and Rainey could be his replacement in that role if Monday was any indication. His nine targets were tied with Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz as a game high, and no player for either team topped his seven receptions.
That is an encouraging sign for those using Rainey in a points-per-reception league even if he didn’t parlay those targets into many yards or a score.
Rainey is not going to be a dominant rusher behind Darkwa and a healthy Jennings on the depth chart, but there is at least upside if he continues to serve as a pass-catching back for a quarterback (Eli Manning) who attempted more than 600 throws in each of the last two years.
Paul Perkins
Perkins’ value on Monday came almost solely from the broken screen play because he saw just two carries and three targets. Relying on huge, fluke plays like that for someone without an established track record is a risky fantasy formula.
Still, the UCLA rookie flashed potential in the open field as he put up his first NFL statistics of his career. Perkins isn’t worth starting in any capacity at this point, but he is at least worth monitoring in case New York’s running back position continues to suffer injuries.
Perkins will only be worth a roster spot if that opportunity for consistent playing time arrives.
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