Giants’ Devin Singletary prepares to replace Saquon Barkley in Week 1

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary is the kind of player who will adapt to his surroundings. Give him an assignment and he will see it through.

The player they call “Motor” began his NFL career as a third-round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills out of Florida Atlantic and went on to put together four solid years with them.

Last year, Singletary found himself a free agent signee of the up-and-coming Houston Texans and was a key contributor to their surprising playoff run.

This season, he was on the move again, signing a three-year, $16.5 million deal with the Giants, who had just parted ways with Saquon Barkley.

“Motor” has flown under the radar in his five seasons in the NFL. Last season with the Texans, Singletary amassed 1,091 total yards from scrimmage, a career-high with 898 rushing yards and 193 more receiving with four touchdowns.

Singletary is one of six NFL running backs with 950-plus scrimmage yards in each of the past five seasons. In his only game against Minnesota in 2022 as a member of the Bills, he scored two rushing touchdowns.

Singletary isn’t feeling any pressure in attempting to fill Barkley’s shoes. In fact, he’s welcoming it. He even took on wearing Barkley’s uniform number, 26, which he will be wearing during his Giants’ debut this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium.

“No nerves. It’s kind of like controlled excitement. Trying not to be too anxious. Ready for game day to be here. Just excited,” Singletary told reporters on Tuesday. “For me, it’s playing ball. I’ve been doing this my whole life. So, just be myself and go out there and have fun, but no pressure.”

Singletary was chosen by general manager Joe Schoen to lead a backfield-by-committee that will also include second-year back Eric Gray and rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. His familiarity with head coach Brian Daboll’s offense from their time in Buffalo together has made the transition fairly easy.

“Yeah, it’s been smooth. It’s been really smooth,” said Singletary. “Familiar with the offense, so that definitely helps. I knew a lot of the guys in here. That also helped. And as far as the running back room, those guys have been great. I believe we’re ready to go. Even though, like you said, they’re young, they’re definitely ready to go.”

The Giants will see this Sunday what life beyond Barkley looks like. Gauging the attitude and optimism emanating from “Motor,” things appear to be just fine.