New York Giants: Who's behind Saquon Barkley in 2019?

By: Dan Orlando

In NFL Preseason action against the Chicago Bears, the New York Giants saw their RB3 - and possibly their RB2 - competition get much closer.

Wayne Gallman currently sits at number two on the depth chart and may very well stay there. But after missing last night’s matchup due to injury, the former Clemson standout may see his snaps reduced if the other RB understudies continue to hog the spotlight.

For Paul Perkins, Friday night was an opportunity at redemption after a shaky outing against the Jets where he committed a fumble and a dropped pass.

The UCLA alum looked sharp, hitting the hole with force and fighting for tough yards. He also notched an impressive chunk play down the sideline that may remind fans of the 67-yard catch-and-run in 2016 against Minnesota that elevated his career.

He notched only 112 yards rushing and 15 receptions as a backup during his rookie year in limited duty, but that was enough for the McAdoo administration to name him the starter in 2017.

That experiment would flame out quickly, and he would only put up 90 yards on the ground that season before missing all of 2018 due to injury.

Rod Smith clearly outperformed Gallman in the first week of the preseason and had bright moments against Chicago as well, including an impressive hurdle over an incoming defender.

However, after committing his own fumble, he did his part to keep Perkins in the hunt after the latter looked like he may be headed towards being cut before Friday night.

While Jon Hillman, put up 56 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries towards the end of the contest, it may be tough for the rookie to even make the roster, especially if the team decides to seep Eli Penny as a FB.