David Wilson Getting First Team Reps with the New York Giants

New York Giants rookie running back David Wilson has been buried fourth on the depth chart the entire preseason, but in the last two days Wilson is getting his opportunities with the first team in practice. Ahmad Bradshaw suffered a contusion to his right hand in the preseason game vs the Jets, and veteran D.J. Ware has been (as one could have been easily predicted) average and may not have done enough to hold off Wilson on the depth chart. David Wilson has returned a couple of kick offs in the preseason, but has not seen any action in the first half of either game.When he has played running back Wilson has 15 carries for 69 yards and 2 receptions for 26 yards–hardly Hall of Fame numbers, but his athleticism is easy to observe.

It has been widely reported that the Giants finished 32nd in rushing last year and are hoping to improve greatly in that category in the 2012 N.F.L. season. Wilson spoke with the media todayabout practicing with the first team.

Q: Is it a big deal to go with the ones to you?
A: Definitely. I was nervous a little bit when they first told me I was going to go with the ones. It had to sink in and I got out in practice yesterday and you could tell I was a little bit jittery and nervous. I settled in and now I’m just looking forward to the game.

For the fantasy inclined this is a situation to watch out for, it has been speculated that David Wilson would not play much early in the season because head coach Tom Coughlin has a reputation for easing rookies into the action. If Wilson is able to make a big impact in the week three preseason game against the Bears, while showing a refined knowledge of the Giants playbook and pass protections it’s possible that Wilson might get a larger role than anticipated. Wilson is clearly the Giants most explosive running back and the future at the position. Friday night’s game is an important litmus test for David Wilson’s early season involvement in the run game.

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