Devin Singletary finally got his chance to shine after sitting on the sidelines for weeks. The New York Giants running back scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Oct. 25. This moment came after a rough stretch where he barely touched the ball during the first six weeks of the season. Singletary carried the rock only 13 times while the team tried to figure out a rotation that actually worked.
Injuries cleared the path for the 29-year-old veteran when Tyrone Tracy landed on injured reserve with a hamstring issue. Cam Skattebo also hurt his hamstring right before the big play that sealed the win. Singletary was the only healthy back left to take the handoff from quarterback J.J. McCarthy. He broke free for a 30-yard run to end the game with 7:25 left in overtime. The Giants won 27-21 thanks to that single play.
Keeping It Real With The Coach
Singletary handled the lack of playing time with a quiet professionalism that earned him respect. He admitted that being a pro meant staying ready even when the coach did not call his name. The relationship between the player and head coach John Harbaugh stayed strong despite the frustration of sitting out. Singletary said there “was never no bad feelings” between himself and Harbaugh because of the eight-veteran’s lack of opportunities.
Harbaugh was honest with Singletary about the situation and told him to stay patient. Some coaches might have just left a player hanging without any answers or clear reasons. Singletary appreciated the blunt truth from his coach more than the fake promises others might make. “One thing I do respect about him, he kept it real with me. You don’t always see that in the league. That’s why I always got so much respect for him for that reason,” Singletary said, according to Big Blue View.
The celebration after the win showed just how much relief both men felt. Harbaugh tackled Singletary to the ground in a heap of pure joy after the touchdown. Singletary said this week that “I still don’t know” if Harbaugh tackled him, or vice versa. “I think we just tripped,” Singletary said. The moment was a simple display of football joy after a long wait.
Ready To Seize The Moment
Now that the backfield has opened up, Singletary is positioned to take over the running game. Cam Skattebo is struggling with a hamstring injury and looks unlikely to play in the upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles. With Tracy already out and Skattebo trending the wrong way, Singletary could see a near bell-cow role for Week 9.
Singletary knows he has the talent to carry the load for the rest of the season. His career includes over 1,100 carries plus 5,000 NFL rushing yards. He wants to show the league what he can do now that the door is wide open. “I know what I can do. I want to be able to display that,” Singletary said.
On Sunday, Nov. 8, the Giants encounter a stern challenge at Lincoln Financial Field versus the Eagles. Singletary will need to be ready to lead the offense against a strong defense in Philadelphia.
