Giants' Tracy Clarifies Concussion Protocol; Joseph ruled out

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy has passed the concussion protocol and will play against the Washington Commanders on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

For kicker Greg Joseph, the news wasn't so encouraging. He underwent an MRI scan on Friday for an oblique injury and was ruled out for Sunday's divisional game. Rookie Jude McAtamney, currently on the practice squad, will likely kick against the Commanders.

Tracy, this year's fifth-round draft pick who earned a spot in the starting lineup, suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter of Monday night's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He practiced on Friday as one of the final hurdles in the protocol before being cleared by an independent neurologist.

Tracy had 20 carries for 145 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game against the Steelers. It was his second 100-yard game in four weeks. The converted wide receiver has impressed in his first year with the Giants. So much so that he passed Devin Singletary for the No. 1 running back position.

“He is a good player. He has size. He has speed. He has strength. He has a good overview,” said coach Brian Daboll. “I think the plays were blocked well too. He made plays when they weren't blocked. He deserved what he got.

Tracy played nearly 60% of the Giants' offensive snaps before getting injured.

New York's kicking game is much more uncertain. The Joseph injury seemingly came out of nowhere. He practiced all week and didn't appear on the injury report until Friday. It is the second time this season that the Giants enter their game with questions about their placekicker. In their Week 2 meeting, Graham Gano entered the contest with a groin injury. He then suffered a torn hamstring in the opener while chasing running back/returner Austin Ekeler. The Giants were without a kicker for the remainder of the 21-18 loss. It proved costly as they fended off several potential field goal attempts in the second half.

McAtamney would be the Giants' third kicker this season. New York is also on its second punter after Jamie Gillan was injured in practice a few weeks ago. Matt Haack will punt for the third straight time on Sunday.