Paul Perkins Released After Giants Pick Saquon Barkley in 2018 NFL Draft

The New York Giants waived running back Paul Perkins on Thursday with a non-football injury designation. 

The move comes two weeks after The Athletic's Dan Duggan reported Perkins underwent surgery to address a pectoral injury that occurred before the start of the Giants' offseason program. 

Perkins, 23, was selected by the Giants in the fifth round of the 2016 draft. 

The UCLA product flashed glimpses of promise as a rookie and racked up 456 rushing yards at a clip of 4.1 yards a carry. 

However, Perkins' role diminished last season as he battled a rib injury and fell out of favor with the coaching staff. 

In 11 appearances, including four starts, Perkins tallied 41 carries for 90 yards (2.2 yards per carry) and eight receptions for 46 yards. 

First-round pick Saquon Barkley and free-agent signee Jonathan Stewart will lead Big Blue's rushing attack in 2018, with 2017 fourth-round pick Wayne Gallman a candidate for change-of-pace responsibilities assuming he makes the final 53-man roster.