RB Orleans Darkwa Fine After Back Injury; Giants Should Give Tulane Product Bigger Role

The New York Giants certainly didn't seem like they needed the running game this past weekend as they were in a high-flying shootout with the New Orleans Saints, combining for 13 total touchdown passes. However, that won't be the case for the rest of the season. During that matchup, out-of-nowhere back Orleans Darkwa suffered a back injury. But he was ruled to be just fine earlier this week and should be good to go Sunday. With that good news, it's clear that the Tulane product deserves a bigger role in the offense moving forward.

Now you may be wondering: Orleans who? And I wouldn't blame you.

Unless you've watched the Giants the past few weeks, you probably have no idea who the 23-year-old back is. The fact is, though, that he's been the Giants' most impressive runner in their past couple of games, and he has proven he should carry the rock a whole lot more -- maybe even in the featured role.

Darkwa busted onto the scene against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7, rushing eight times for 48 yards and a gorgeous touchdown. He followed that up with a four-carry, 23-yard performance against the Saints before he bruised his tailbone. Though he might not practice this week due to that injury, he is expected to be ready to go by Sunday.

The only tough part about getting him the ball more is that the Giants' backfield is loaded. Jennings came into the season as the starter and former New England Patriot Shane Vereene was signed to be the third-down, passing-situation back. They also have a goal-line back in Andre Williams. So when you factor in Darkwa, who may be the best pure runner of them all, it's tough to get the second-year back factored in.

Unfortunately, that means Jennings needs a lesser role in the offense -- if it's not eliminated entirely at some point. While he's been a productive back for a few years in this league, he's 30 now. It's clear when you watch the two run that Darkwa is more powerful, explosive and determined in his carries. And if the Giants want to be a more well-balanced team, making sure Darkwa gets more than just eight or four carries (like he had the past two games, respectively) is an absolute must.