Giants RB Shane Vereen Done For Season With Triceps Injury
The New York Giants lost more than a game against the Washington Redskins that they pretty much gave away to their division rival. They also lost running back Shane Vereen for the rest of the 2016 season.
Vereen suffered a triceps injury in the 29-27 loss to Washington. This injury will require season-ending surgery. He started Sunday in place of Rashad Jennings, who sat out with a hand injury. He rushed for 67 yards on 11 carries including a touchdown.
Vereen also lost a fumble for the second week in a row, which could be attributed to his injured triceps.
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“I think he was playing with it for a significant amount of time,” Giants head coach Ben McAdoo said. “I know he’s a tough player, has a warrior’s mindset. Wish him a speedy recovery.”
Vereen’s absence will leave an enormous void in the Giants’ offense.
He led the team with 147 yards on 31 carries this season. He also was an additional receiving option out of the backfield for quarterback Eli Manning, catching eight passes for 75 yards.
In fact, Manning’s second interception that sealed a Redskins’ victory was intended for Vereen.
Vereen signed a three-year, $12.35 million deal with the Giants in 2015 after four seasons with the New England Patriots. He posted career highs in receptions (59), receiving yards (494), and receiving touchdowns (four) in his first season with the Giants.
Now that Vereen is lost for the season, Orleans Darkwa could be installed as the starter for the Giants next game: a Monday Night Football matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. This will depend on Jennings’ availability.
Darkwa gained 53 yards on 10 carries and scored a touchdown in Sunday’s loss to the Redskins.
The Giants may also resort to running back by committee system. Bobby Rainey and rookie Paul Perkins could see an increase in responsibilities and playing time. The team could also possibly look to the free agent market for available running backs.
The Giants’ offensive scheme is heavily dependent on their running backs. In a surprisingly competitive NFC East, this decision could make the difference between the postseason and adding another year to the current playoff drought.
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