Giants’ Rushing Revamp: Harbaugh’s Playbooks & Backfield Battles

John Harbaugh’s arrival in New York signals a shift toward a run‑heavy identity. The former Ravens coach built his reputation on ground‑oriented schemes, and the Giants are now aligning with that philosophy. In 2025, Big Blue led the league in several rushing categories, setting the stage for a more balanced attack under Harbaugh’s guidance.

Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will adapt his game plans to suit the Giants’ personnel, a trait he demonstrated with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City. However, with Harbaugh calling the shots, the passing game will likely take a backseat to the run. The result should be more balanced play‑calls and fewer long‑shot attempts.

Running backs room depth is already a strength, featuring a talented duo in rookie Chauncey Skattebo and veteran Tyrone Tracy Jr. Skattebo arrived as a lead back in 2025, posting 101 carries for 410 yards and five touchdowns. Tracy, returning from a solid sophomore campaign, rushed for a team‑high 740 yards and added 36 receptions for 288 yards.

Experience also comes in the form of veteran Singletary, who re‑signed for another year. In his previous season, Singletary accumulated 119 carries for 437 yards and five scores. Meanwhile, rookie kicker Damon Bankston adds speed and special‑team versatility to the room.

The Giants’ 2025 rushing numbers underscore the potential of this roster. They ranked seventh in run‑heavy snaps at 47.1% and second in total carries with 511 attempts. The backfield also produced multiple 100‑yard games, the longest streak in the NFL that season.

Training‑Camp Focus

Harbaugh’s staff will emphasize ball security and opportunity recognition during camp. The coaching staff sees health as a key variable after Tracy missed part of the previous season. Both Skattebo and Tracy have shown they can handle primary back duties when healthy.

Injuries are inevitable, so the Giants will likely keep three to four healthy backs on the 53‑man roster. The competition for the final spot will be tight, with players like “Turbo” and the rookie Bankston vying for attention. Training camp will serve as the proving ground for these scenarios.

The Giants’ schedule for 2026 includes a tough stretch from Week 14 through Week 18. Early matchups against Dallas, Los Angeles Rams, and Tennessee will test the new offense. A showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles in the season finale could decide home‑field advantage in the NFC.

Below is the team’s official 2026 schedule visual, complete with game‑day details and venue information.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants training camp preview: Running backs will play key role in 2026