Even without RB Tyrone Tracy Jr., vibes have never been higher for the New York Giants. Entering Week 4, 0-3, rookie QB Jaxson Dart made his first NFL start. Expectations were low against the 3-0 Los Angeles Chargers, keeping the season record in view. But Dart and company made the ultimate statement. In the end, they took home their first win of the season, 21-18. With the momentum building, the team would love to have Tracy Jr. back sooner rather than later.
Looking at Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s Injury and the New York Giants RB’s Expected Return
On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Tracy Jr. was expected to be out for two to four weeks. The 25-year-old is dealing with a dislocated shoulder after the September 21, 2025, match against the Kansas City Chiefs was the last thing an NFL running back would want to endure. Depending on how quickly he can heal, his return to the team will ultimately depend on how quickly he can heal.
One week has passed since that first diagnosis. Under no circumstances is Tracy Jr. going to take the field in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints. In fact, he is likely going to miss the team’s Thursday Night Football showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 9, 2025. Playing on a short week does him no favors, as he looks to miss as few games as possible.
On Friday, the Giants announced that Tracy is doubtful for the Week 5 game against the Saints.
The #Giants are listing RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder) as doubtful for Sunday vs. the #Saints.
RB Cam Skattebo (knee) is off the injury report and good to go, as is QB Jaxson Dart (left hamstring). DL Dexter Lawrence (illness) is questionable.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 3, 2025
Based on the team’s original report, there’s a chance Tracy Jr. could play as soon as October 9. That remains highly unlikely, as the extra three days of rest would put him back basically immediately after the two weeks. Airing on the side of caution, HC Brian Daboll has yet to say when Tracy will return to the team. If it takes Tracy the full four weeks to return, the Giants would look silly for not placing him on the injured reserve list.
Should Tracy Jr. be out the full four weeks, he would return for their second game against the Eagles. This time, the Giants are playing in Philly for a 1:00 p.m. EST kickoff against the reigning Super Bowl Champions. If he’s able to return after Thursday Night Football, he’d be able to take part in both of the team’s road games, in Denver and Philly.
Thankfully for the Giants, RB Cam Skattebo looked phenomenal against the Chargers. The 23-year-old finished with 25 carries for 79 yards. While he didn’t score, he had two more carries than he had in the first three weeks combined.
Skattebo played a season-high 52 offensive snaps against the Chargers. Moving forward, it’s clear this team will rely on him as much as possible while Dart navigates this Giants offense, which is ranked 29th in the league based on PFSN’s Offensive Impact metric.
