Giants poach Orleans Darkwa off Dolphins practice squad

The Miami Dolphins entered this week with two running backs on the practice squad. Now, there are none. After Miami placed offensive tackle Branden Albert on injured reserve, they promoted LaMichael James off the practice squad and onto the 53-man roster. A home run type of running back, James gives the Dolphins a little more explosiveness on offense, and can work on punt and kick return duties as well.

That left Orleans Darkwa as the only running back on the practice squad. The undrafted free agent out of Tulane appeared in the Dolphins' first four games this season, carrying the ball four times for two yards, along with two receptions for 31 yards. Miami waived him in early October, signing him to the practice squad after he cleared waivers.

Now, Darkwa is heading north as a member of the New York Giants. The Giants had to find a running back after running back Michael Cox broke his leg during the team's Week 10 game against the Seattle Seahawks. Cox served as the Giants' primary kick returner and was fourth on the running back depth chart. He was expected to start seeing more offensive touches as the Giants look to improve their rushing attack.

Although Darkwa technically falls into the fourth position on the depth chart as Cox's replacement, the some of the players in front of him are not healthy either. Starting running back Rashad Jennings has been out of action with a knee injury since Week 5, though he is expected to return this week. Third string running back Peyton Hillis had to leave Sunday's game with a concussion.

Darkwa demonstrated a lot of potential during training camp and the preseason with the Dolphins. He was seen as a developing all-around running back and had a place in the future of the team. Instead, he will get his chance now to prove his worth on a team desperate for running back help.