Most people thought Tyrone Tracy, a fifth-round choice of the New York Giants, had sustained a season-ending injury when he collapsed during practice after misfiring a punt. There was much anxiety when Tracy yelled out in pain and was eventually taken off the field with an air cast over his leg.

Tracy, however, shocked everyone a few hours after being diagnosed with a moderate low ankle sprain by joining the team again and going to meetings. Tracy has actually returned to practice and is gradually making his way back into the lineup after missing some significant reps during the preseason.

Tracy has only played one game for the Giants this preseason, starting in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. He gained 26 yards over five carries, averaging 5.2 yards per try and 4.60 yards after making contact. Tracy’s ability to lead all running backs in yards after contact per attempt was a major factor in the Giants’ interest in him when he was a Purdue University recruit.

According to the New York Post, Tracy joked, “A lot of the folks around the building started calling me ‘Paul Pierce.'” “They claimed that I did a Paul Pierce.” However, everything is OK. I’m glad to be here since I know this place is full of sincere affection.

Tracy is unlikely to play in the Giants’ last preseason game on Saturday against the New York Jets, but there are many reasons to think he will be back to full strength in practice very soon. The Giants, who lost Saquon Barkley to free agency, will probably use a committee strategy going forward. At the very least, they avoided a bullet with his injury.