We are five games into the 2024 season, and for the fifth time, a New York Giant has been nominated for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week.
After Malik Nabers was up for the award in each of the first four weeks, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has been recognized this time around.
With veteran running back Devin Singletary sidelined with a groin injury, Tracy stepped up in a big way against the Seattle Seahawks. The rookie fifth-round pick led the Giants' rushing attack with 18 carries for 129 yards, good for an average of 7.2 yards per carry, including four runs of 10+ yards.
"Got a lot of yards," coach Brian Daboll said about the rookie back. "He was productive. He was tough. I mean, I don't know if he needs to eat more on the sideline, whatever it is. Get him the ball. You know, he ran hard. He saw the holes. He pressed the hole. Something we been working hard on him with is pressing the hole and setting up your blocks. Made some extra yards with the ball in his hand."
"I would say the butterflies is something that is always going to happen on game day," Tracy added about his breakout game. "I prepare the right way; I have people around me that help me prepare, help me throughout the week, help me with film study, knowing the backers, knowing the D-line. For me personally, when you get out there after that first snap, the butterflies need to go away. You have to stay focused, understand the game plan, and rely on your fundamentals and technique."
According to Next Gen Stats, Tracy generated a +47 rush yards over expected on Sunday, the most by a Giants running back since Week 11 of last season.
Tracy is the Giants' first 100-yard rookie rusher since Week 17 of the 2018 campaign, when Saquon Barkley ran for 109 yards against the Dallas Cowboys. Barkley went on to be named AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The 24-year-old Tracy entered Week 5 with 29 yards on 12 carries along with four receptions for 41 yards.
The other players nominated for the Week 5 Pepsi Rookie of the Week include:
- Commanders QB Jayden Daniels - Completed 14 of 25 passes (56 percent) for 238 yards and one touchdown for an 85.1 passer rating; also rushed for 82 yards
- Broncos QB Bo Nix - Completed 19 of 27 passes (70.4 percent) for 206 yards and two touchdowns for a 117.2 passer rating; also rushed for one touchdown
- Bears QB Caleb Williams - Completed 20 of 29 pass attempts (69 percent) for 304 yards and two touchdowns for a 126.2 passer rating; also rushed for 34 yards
- Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. - Caught five passes for 122 yards and one touchdown
- Raiders TE Brock Bowers - Caught eight passes for 97 yards and a touchdown
Fans vote for one of six players on NFL.com/rookies, @NFL on Twitter, and on the NFL Mobile app. After the regular season, six players will be nominated for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Years honor. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com/rookies throughout the month of January.
The New York Giants travel to Seattle to face off against the Seahawks in Week 5.
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