David Wilson: GM Says Could Be Lead RB

Giants GM Jerry Reese said Wilson could be the "lead dog" in the backfield in 2013, ESPN New York reports. "I don't think there's any question that he can be that," Reese said. "It's a two- and three-back league nowadays, but do I think he can be a lead dog? I do think that."

Analysis: When he received the opportunity this season, Wilson certainly seemed to justify Reese's effusive praise, finishing with a shade over five yards per carry on 71 totes while also showing some potential as a pass-catcher. While the presence of Ahmad Bradshaw may provide somewhat of a roadblock for Wilson, the team could ask him to restructure his deal or look to move him elsewhere to open up Wilson's workload. At this point, Wilson is definitely the better buy of the two backs in both yearly and dynasty leagues going forward.

Wilson had 15 carries for 75 yards Sunday and also caught a 15-yard touchdown pass.

Analysis: Wilson showed his playmaking ability as well as his toughness running up the middle, but he'll need to improve in pass protection before the Giants trust him with a consistently big workload. Still, even as a timeshare back, he's good enough to produce, and he's likely to carve out a bigger role alongside Ahmad Bradshaw and Andre Brown.

Although Wilson scored a touchdown Sunday, he played just four offensive snaps, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Analysis: With Ahmad Bradshaw likely back for Week 17, it's unclear whether Wilson will have a significant role in the offense this week.

Wilson had three carries for 17 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Ravens.

Analysis: Wilson's touchdown came near the end of the first quarter, before the Giants had to abandon the run thanks to the Ravens taking a multiple touchdown lead before halftime. Additionally, Wilson finished with a third of the carries as Ahmad Bradshaw and shouldn't be expected to shoulder much more of a load next week against the Eagles, as long as Bradshaw is healthy enough to play.

Bradshaw nearing return

New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (knee) returned to practice Friday, but he was limited. He's questionable to face the Baltimore Ravens. FULL INJURY ROUNDUP

Analysis: After posting a monster stat line in Week 14, David Wilson mustered just 6.60 fantasy points last week. Even if Bradshaw is active this week, there could be enough to go around against a Ravens defense allowing an average of 132 yards per game and 14 rushing scores.

Wilson will likely see a reduced role if Ahmad Bradshaw (knee/foot) plays against Baltimore on Sunday.

Analysis: Bradshaw is listed as questionable, but the loose expectation is that he'll tough it out Sunday, as he made a Friday practice appearance. If Bradshaw plays, Wilson probably would be reduced to little more than a high-risk flex consideration. Given that the Giants play in the second wave of games Sunday, it would be risky to bank on Wilson this week outside of deeper formats.

Bradshaw could return

The sixth-year pro didn't practice Wednesday, but insisted he'd be ready this week. Coach Tom Coughlin likes the enthusiasm, but says it's not up to Bradshaw. "We'd all love to have him play," Coughlin said Wednesday, via the New York Daily News. "But it's going to be a medical decision." FULL REPORT

Analysis: Regardless of Bradshaw's availability, David Wilson figures to see an extended role. A timeshare will eat into both players values, so temper expectations if this is the case. The Ravens are allowing an average of 132 yards rushing per game and 14 touchdowns this season.

Wilson had 12 carries for 55 rushing yards and one catch on three targets for 11 receiving yards Sunday against the Falcons.

Analysis: A rough day for the entire Giants' offense, which found itself behind early and therefore had to abandon the running game more than it likes to. For fantasy owners who were hoping for a repeat performance of Week 14, Wilson put up a dud Sunday. He's got a favorable matchup next week against a Ravens' defense that allowed 118 yards and a touchdown to Knowshon Moreno on Sunday, although if Ahmad Bradshaw returns from injury, he could be the biggest beneficiary and not Wilson.

Wilson cooled

Running back David Wilson totaled 12 carries for 55 yards, adding one catch for 11 yards. WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Analysis: Coming off a 22 point performance, Wilson failed to live up to expectations this week. His productivity was also limited by early turnovers in the passing game and playing from behind throughout the contest.

Bradshaw ruled out

New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (knee) is out. That means David Wilson is going to decide a lot of fantasy leagues out of nowhere. FULL INJURY REPORT

Analysis: It looks like David Wilson will carry the load against the Atlanta Falcons, a team which has allowed the fifth-most rushing scores (14) to opposing backs. They are also giving up an average of 127 rushing yards per game. After rumbling for 100 yards and two scores last week, Wilson makes for a good spot start depending on your other options.

Wilson's teammate, Ahmad Bradshaw, has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Falcons, Jenny Vrentas of The Star-Ledger reports.

Analysis: Wilson is now in line to handle the bulk of the Giants' rushing duties Sunday and according to coach Tom Coughlin, the dynamic rookie will likely still be utilized as a kick returner as well this weekend. Though it's unfortunately at the expense of Bradshaw, Wilson now has a golden opportunity to produce for owners who either recently picked him up or who patiently held on to him while his role in the Giants' offense was minimal through the team's first 12 games.

Bradshaw misses practice

Jenny Vrentas of The Star-Ledger reported that running back Ahmad Bradshaw was held out of Thursday's practice with the knee sprain he suffered in a Week 14 win over the New Orleans Saints. FULL REPORT

Analysis: It looks like David Wilson will carry the load against the Atlanta Falcons, a team which has allowed the fifth-most rushing scores (14) to opposing backs. They are also giving up an average of 127 rushing yards per game. After rumbling for 100 yards and two scores last week, Wilson makes for a good spot start depending on your other options.

Bradshaw has sprained left knee

Coach Tom Coughlin told reporters Wednesday that starter Ahmad Bradshaw has a sprained left knee, per ESPNNewYork.com's Ohm Youngmisuk. Bradshaw was injured in Sunday's 52-27 win over the Saints and Coughlin wouldn't speculate on how much practice time the back would miss. FULL REPORT

Analysis: Wilson racked up 22 points last week in standard leagues and if he's asked to carry the load, that success could continue. The Falcons have allowed the fifth-most rushing touchdowns (14) this season and have allowed the most runs of 40 -plus yards (7).

With Ahmad Bradshaw undergoing tests for an injured knee, Wilson could be a significant factor in Week 15 against the Falcons.

Analysis: If Bradshaw checks out okay, we'd still expect him to start and get the bulk of the load. But were Bradshaw to be scratched, the explosive Wilson could see 15-20 carries against Atlanta's 31st ranked run defense in YPC (4.9).

Wilson had 13 carries for 100 yards and two touchdowns, and returned a kickoff 97 yards for another score Sunday against the Saints.

Analysis: Giants fans have been waiting all season for Wilson to be given the opportunity to really show what he can do and he far surpassed expectations Sunday. Finishing with 327 all-purpose yards, Wilson was downright dominant while briefly taking over for Ahmad Bradshaw, who left the game with a knee injury but later returned. Wilson had put together a pretty solid game even before breaking out for a 52-yard touchdown with less than six minutes left to extend the Giants' lead to 52-27. Wilson's fantasy upside is solely dependent on Bradshaw's health, as the Giants remain more comfortable letting the veteran carry the load for as long as he can.

Wilson had just four carries for nine yards Monday.

Analysis: Wilson is Ahmad Bradshaw's backup, but because the Giants don't trust Wilson on passing downs, and he's not a prototypical goal-line back, he's seeing only occasional work right now.

Brown placed on IR

The Giants announced Monday that Brown will be placed on injured reserve, designated to return, after he broke his leg during Sunday's win over the Green Bay Packers. He won't be eligible to return to the team until after the NFC Championship. FULL REPORT

Analysis: Ahmad Bradshaw should return to seeing a bulk of the goal line touches after watching Brown vulture scores in five straight games. Rookie David Wilson will serve as the secondary back behind the veteran.

With Andre Brown breaking his fibula, Wilson could see a larger role spelling Ahmad Bradshaw.

Analysis: Wilson saw a few carries in garbage time, but going forward, he's likely to be Bradshaw's backup, a significant role given Bradshaw's own durability issues and coach Tom Coughlin's affinity for timeshares.

Wilson did not receive a target or a carry Sunday.

Analysis: With Ahmad Bradshaw healthy and Andre Brown back from his concussion, Wilson is the team's third-string back right now.

Bradshaw suffers setback

New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw missed practice Friday with his foot injury. He's questionable. This is a tricky one. It sure sounded like Bradshaw would be ready to roll earlier in the week, but missing practice Friday is a bad sign. FULL INJURY ROUNDUP

Analysis: It looks like Bradshaw could be a game-time decision, so be sure to have other options available. David Wilson and Andre Brown could wind up with plenty of work against the Washington Redskins.

With Ahmad Bradshaw not practicing Friday, Wilson has a chance to see more touches on Sunday.

Analysis: Bradshaw is still expected to play, but should he be scratched the Giants would likely split carries between Wilson and Andre Brown.

Bradshaw returns to practice

Ahmad Bradshaw's latest foot injury doesn't sound serious. The white-hot running back returned to practice for the New York Giants on Thursday and pronounced himself ready for this week's game against the Washington Redskins. However, when asked if Andre Brown and David Wilson will see any time, coach Tom Coughlin stated "they'll all have chances." FULL STORY

Analysis: The Redskins have been tough against the run this season, but given the fact Bradshaw was the first RB to score against the 49ers in 14 home games, he's worth putting in your lineup.

Wilson had seven carries for 35 yards against the 49ers Sunday. He also contributed two kick returns for 93 more yards.

Analysis: Wilson's explosiveness is apparent every time he touches the ball, though he's still learning the offense, and Ahmad Bradshaw is a far better blocker. Expect the Giants to work Wilson in when they can, but he's still the clear backup.

Wilson could have a bigger role this week with Andre Brown out, but the Giants are still trying to get him integrated into the offense, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Analysis: Wilson doesn't need a heavy workload to be useful, but it sounds like he's still learning the offense and likely to be on a limited snap count behind Ahmad Bradshaw.

Wilson had two carries for 44 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Browns.

Analysis: A nice performance for Wilson, although we can't read too much into it since most of his production came on a 40-yard touchdown run. Nevertheless, he could still be in line for an increased workload next week, as fellow-backup Andre Brown had to leave Sunday's game with a concussion.

Bennett, Brown injured

Both Martellus Bennett and Andre Brown have left the game and headed to the locker room. No specifics have been released on the injuries so far.FOLLOW WITH GAME CENTER

Analysis: Ahmad Bradshaw will carry the load despite an early fumble, but expect David Brown to see extra work behind him. The Fantasy Feedback Blog will have updates as they come in.

Wilson had one carry for minus-two yards and one catch for three yards.

Analysis: His services weren't especially needed with Andre Brown having such a strong game. Right now, he's No. 3 on the depth chart when Ahmad Bradshaw's healthy.

Brown to take lead role

Andre Brown is expected to carry the load for the Giants in Week 3 now that Ahmad Bradshaw has been ruled out.

Analysis: With Ahmad Bradshaw nursing a neck injury, Brown and David Wilson will be tasked with handling the run duties. Brown is the expected favorite, but Wilson could potentially make this a timeshare situation. For now, consider Brown based on the matchup in your fantasy leagues as a No. 3 RB/flex play.

Bradshaw has neck sprain

The New York Daily News says that it's believed New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw has a "neck sprain."

Analysis: Fantasy owners should keep a close eye on his progression throughout the week given the location of his injury. David Wilson and Andre Brown would likely carry the load if Bradshaw misses time.

Wilson carried three times for six yards in Sunday's win over the Bucs.

Analysis: When Ahmad Bradshaw (neck) was knocked out of Sunday's game, it was Andre Brown who got the bulk of the Giants' carries. In the long-term, Wilson is the upside play, but if Bradshaw is forced to sit out Thursday's game against the Panthers, it looks like Brown could lead the Giants' running attack instead of Wilson, the team's first-round draft pick.

Brown, not Wilson, replaces Bradshaw

In replacing the injured Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Brown rushed for 71 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries for the New York Giants on Sunday against Tampa Bay.

Analysis: A surprising development in New York, with Brown surpassing the rookie Wilson on the depth chart. Apparently, Tom Coughlin's doghouse is tougher to get out of than we thought. Brown's an interesting waiver pickup if Bradshaw is out for any time. At the moment, he's a better add than Wilson.

Brown breaks out against Buccaneers

Andre Brown came in to replace an injured Ahmad Bradshaw to a neck injury on Sunday and carried the ball 11 times for 60 yards, potentially earning his role as the backup above rookie David Wilson. Before Sunday's game Brown had carried the ball only twice in his career when he was with the Denver Broncos in 2010.

Analysis: Brown should be plucked from the waiver wire if news comes down that Bradshaw will miss extended time. Given Wilson's early fumble issues, it's not a stretch to see Brown ultimately taking on a lead role.

Wilson is "a little bit out of the doghouse" after his fumble in the season opener, coach Tom Coughlin told the Newark Star-Ledger.

Analysis: Wilson will be involved in Week 2, though to what extent remains to be seen. So long as he doesn't fumble again soon, he should have a significant role before long.

While the Giants want Wilson to take some of the workload off of Ahmad Bradshaw, they are concerned about Wilson's ball-security issues, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Analysis: Coach Tom Coughlin felt the stakes were too high against the Cowboys to let Wilson see any more offensive snaps after his fumble. We'd expect Wilson to get his chances again, but he'll be on a shorter leash.

Wilson still the handcuff

Giants coach Tom Coughlin came down hard on RB David Wilson's fumble during Wednesday night's opener, stating "this is not preseason. Let's go for Stage 2 here. This is serious business now."

Analysis: Fantasy owners who drafted Wilson should still consider Wilson the handcuff to Ahmad Bradshaw. It's likely the rookie will be called upon plenty of times throughout the season, especially with Bradshaw's recent injury history.

Wilson had two carries for four yards and lost a fumble.

Analysis: Wilson is arguably the most explosive back the Giants have ever had, but he had fumbling issues in college, and Wednesday's flub won't endear him to coach Tom Coughlin. He's still Ahmad Bradshaw's backup, but his margin for error in the ball-security realm is pretty small right now.

Wilson had 13 yards on eight carries for the Giants on Wednesday.

Analysis: Certainly not impressive numbers against a defense where many of the players will be cut by 9pm Friday. Wilson will be the backup behind Ahmad Bradshaw to start the season.

Wilson had five carries for 49 yards and two catches for 26 yards Friday night.

Analysis: The Giants like his combination of elite speed and tough running and should give him a role as Ahmad Bradshaw's complement.

With Ahmad Bradshaw (hand) limited to individual drills, Wilson saw reps with the first team Monday, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Analysis: Bradshaw should be fine, so Wilson is still his back-up/change of pace option. D.J. Ware is also conceivably in the mix, but the veteran dropped a screen pass in the Jets game and missed an assignment that led to a blocked punt - in addition to running ineffectively. Wilson's the team's first-round pick, and ideally the Giants would like to get his explosive playmaking ability into the offense.

Wilson rushed for a team-high 26 yards on eight carries (3.3 YPC) during the Giants' preseason victory over the Jets on Saturday.

Analysis: Starting halfback Ahmad Bradshaw injured his right hand in the first series of the contest, though X-rays came back negative. While it looks as if the injury is mostly insignificant, a door has been left ajar for Wilson to carve into Bradshaw's load as the season approaches. Wilson's 3.3 YPC is a solid output against the Jets' staunch run defense, which likely instills more confidence in coach Tom Coughlin and company.

Giants coaches have been concerned about Wilson's grasp of the playbook thus far during training camp, the Newark Star Ledger reports.

Analysis: Considering that Wilson still has nearly three weeks to get up to speed before the regular season opener, there's still time for him to ease that concern and carve out a significant role in the offense. Ahmad Bradshaw has been healthy thus far, and D.J. Ware might be in line to take some of the carries that were given to Brandon Jacobs last season -- particularly in short-yardage situations -- but Wilson's explosiveness should make him a part of the gameplan on a regular basis and he's also being considered for a role in the return game.

Wilson had seven carries for 43 yards and two receptions for 26 yards in Friday's preseason win over Jacksonville.

Analysis: Wilson got his carries late in the game against reserves, but still showed a spark with several big plays (runs of 26 and 17 yards) that highlight his explosiveness. He also returned to kickoffs and could win a return job. It may not be long before the rookie has a significant role in the offense.

Wilson agreed to terms with the Giants on Friday, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The specifics of the 32nd overall pick's deal weren't made available, but the Giant can now be sure that Wilson will be there for the entire offseason program. The 20-year-old went for 1,709 yards on 290 attempts (5.9 ypc average) with nine touchdown last season at Virginia Tech, and could have an impact in his rookie year.