As Devontae Booker sees it, what goes down on Sunday is, in fact, a fresh start, but it’s certainly not a debut.
Yes, he will play in his first game with the Giants and will most likely be the main ball carrier on offense, although Saquon Barkley is expected to make his comeback official throughout the summer by getting the green light against the Giants. Broncos. . Barkley will get the headlines and attention, but it could be Booker who gets the ball and the yards.
Okay with that.
“I know I haven’t played in any playoff games, or Super Bowls or anything like that,” Booker told The Post. “But I’ve been in a lot of different systems and I know a lot about football. I acquired a lot of knowledge in those years. That’s what I can bring and my playing ability. They wouldn’t have wanted me to come here if I didn’t play well or do what I’m supposed to do on the pitch. “
Booker was one of the most curious signings for the Giants. They were ready to break up with Wayne Gallman and wanted an experienced runner to pair up with Barkley, who is undergoing surgery for reconstructive knee surgery. Booker, who signed a two-year deal worth up to $ 6 million, was an interesting option. The 29-year-old was a draft pick in the 2016 fourth round of the Broncos and his busiest season, by far, was his debut, when he started six games and ran 612 yards with 174 runs.
Since then, there has only been one more start for Booker, last season for the Raiders. Last year he ran the ball 93 times for 423 yards. He has a total run of 1,526 yards and seven rushing touchdowns and 122 receptions for 956 yards and one touchdown.
There are no indications on Booker’s resume that he can bear a full load. There are all indications that they will need him earlier this season, as the Giants play their first two games four days apart and will not tempt fate or risk Barkley’s knee by making him the center of the offense immediately. The only other player on the roster is rookie Gary Brightwell.
“He looks damn good,” Booker said of Barkley. “He had a lot of free time and has been working on his butt. Just by looking at his way of working, he is ready. “
Ready to play? Yes. Ready for 20-25 taps? No.
Come in, Booker.
“This one is in my sixth season and when I have the ball, very determined, I just run,” Booker said. “It’s football at the end of the day. I have nothing to say to the Giants fans or anything like that. I have to wait, see and go from there.
“It simply came to our notice then. I have to have confidence. If I don’t trust it, I won’t play my game, I won’t be myself. I am definitely confident in my abilities. Whatever card this game is dealt, only time will tell. “