Paul Perkins Injury History & Analysis

Giants HC Ben McAdoo on Monday told reporters that RB Paul Perkins is the team's backfield starter, according to Pro Football Talk. That's no shocking revelation, but it's notable that McAdoo talks about the 2nd-year back that way rather than saying he'll need to earn the top job. Perkins followed an impressive run at UCLA by not leading the Giants in carries until Week 16. But he did finish the year starting over Rashad Jennings, including the playoff loss at Green Bay. The team drafted Clemson RB Wayne Gallman over the weekend, but he doesn't bring NFL-starter talent. And Jennings remains unsigned. RB Shane Vereen is still around and should claim plenty of receiving work -- if he can stay healthy (a big "if"). But early fantasy drafters should treat Perkins as the top back in what could easily be a top-10 scoring and yardage offense.

Giants RB Rashad Jennings (thumb) is not expected to play against the Packers on Sunday night, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. That'll again leave the backfield to Orleans Darkwa, Bobby Rainey and Paul Perkins. Darkwa served as the lead ball-carrier last week, finishing with 48 yards and a score against a tough Vikings run defense. Rainey handled most of the passing-down work, hauling in 7 of 9 targets for 43 yards -- although most of those came in garbage time. Raanan expects Perkins' role to "increase slightly," but his pass-blocking deficiencies will continue to limit his playing time. This is a situation to try to avoid against Green Bay's top-ranked run defense. If you're forced to dabble, Darkwa is your best non-PPR bet; Rainey the best PPR play.