The promise of David Wilson‘s sophomore season came a screeching halt after five games when the running back suffered a neck injury.
Wilson was unable to return to the field last year, and there were concerns that may not be a possibility in the future.
The New York Giants drafted Andre Williams, who led the nation in rushing last year at Boston College, and added Rashad Jennings in free agency. The expectation is that Wilson will receive medical clearance, according to ESPN NFC East insider Dan Graziano, but there remains a bit of uncertainty regarding Wilson’s future in the NFL.
No one knows if Wilson will ever play again following neck surgery. Indications are that he will, but no one knows for sure yet.
Behind a less-than-stellar offensive line last year, Wilson rushed for 146 yards and one touchdown on 44 touches. Overall, the Giants ranked 29th in the league with 1,332 rushing yards.
Coach Tom Coughlin has made it clear revamping the offensive line and running game were points of emphasis this offseason, evident by the team drafting center Weston Richburg in the second round of the draft and adding tackle Charles Brown and guard Geoff Schwartz through free agency.
But the fact that the team went out and added Jennings, re-signed Peyton Hillis, and then picked up Williams in the draft not only shows a determination to bolster the running game, but perhaps some doubt that Wilson is the long-term solution in their backfield.
Wilson is expected to be cleared for contact by the start of training camp, according to reports, and if true, it will go a long in way in determining his future in the league.
Previously, general manager Jerry Reese refused to guarantee Wilson for the 2014 campaign. However, that was back in January before Wilson made progress in his recovery.
