Brandon Jacobs complaining about his work load is nothing new. His role with the Giants has always been that of a complimentary back who steps in when New York needs tough yards or sees his role expanded when someone is injured. For a short time at the beginning of last season, Jacobs was the Giants starting running back. With the emergence of Ahmad Bradshaw, he took a back seat.
Jacobs has missed New York’s last two games with a sprained MCL and has yet to return to practice. Bradshaw racked up 130 total yards of offense and scored three touchdowns against Buffalo last weekend without Jacobs to spell him. Perhaps it is that performance that has Brandon feeling even more threatened about what his role will be when he makes his anticipated return against Miami next week.
“When I say ‘play’ I mean do what I was doing before, three, four carries, five carries,” he said according to Newsday. “Whatever they ask.”
He was then asked about what type of lift he believes his and Justin Tuck’s return will provide for the Giants.
“It’s only going to be a mental lift,” Jacobs said. “Justin [Tuck], he actually takes 60-70 plays a game. Me, I’ll come back and help as much as I can with what I get to help with. I’m looking forward to helping as much as I can with the chances I’m given.”
Somebody call the whambulance. Running backs coach Jerald Ingram assured Jacobs that an expanded role will be coming in the later part of the season when guys are banged up and tired, the same way it shook out in the final two months of last season.
Most importantly, Jacobs is not even healthy. Rather than talking about what his role may or may not be when he can return to the field, he should probably concentrate his efforts on returning to the field. When he is healthy enough to play, the rest will work itself out.
