Gallman may get his shot to carry ball

With Orleans Darkwa (back) and Shane Vereen (calf) missing their second straight practice, the Giants could turn to rookie running back Wayne Gallman on Sunday against the Buccaneers.

The fourth-round pick out of Clemson has been inactive the first three games but received plenty of work in the preseason, rushing the ball 30 times for 103 yards in four games.

“I think he’s got a good future,” running backs coach Craig Johnson said last week. “When you’re a young player and you’re trying to find your way, I’ve always believed that your team and your coaches see when you’re ready.”

Gallman could inject a spark into a lifeless running game. The Giants have failed to rush for 100 yards in any of their first three games, with the most being 62 yards in Week 2.

Still, Ben McAdoo would not commit to playing Gallman.

“He’s a young player who’s in his book, working on his fundamentals and takes a step each week,” he said.

Giants linebacker B.J. Goodson, who was teammates with Gallman at Clemson, has seen what the 6-0, 210-pound rookie is capable of at the college level and hopes he gets his shot soon.

“He has a unique running style,” Goodson said. “I think that’s the most impressive thing about him. He isn’t a hefty fellow but he runs tough.”

ROSTER MOVES

Earlier this week McAdoo said there was a place for a fullback on his offense. It won’t be Shane Smith. The team waived the undrafted rookie fullback on Thursday, just four days after he did not see any offensive snaps against the Eagles. There is a chance Smith could be added to the practice squad if he is not claimed off waivers.

The Giants also placed linebacker J.T. Thomas (groin) on the injured reserve for the second year in a row.

In a corresponding move, the Giants signed defensive end Nordly “Cap” Capi off their practice squad and signed linebacker Deontae Skinner, who was previously cut on Sept. 2.

INJURY UPDATE

Guard Brett Jones was the latest addition to the injury report with a hip injury and did not practice Thursday.

If Jones cannot play and Justin Pugh remains at right tackle, the Giants could turn to D.J. Fluker, a former first-round pick they signed in the offseason, to play left guard.