Giants’ Devontae Booker set to win Week 1 lead

For Devontae Booker, what happens on Sunday is a new start, but certainly not a start.

Yes, he will play his first game for the Giants and, quite possibly, will be the main running back in attack, although Saquon Barkley is expected to formalize his comeback from the summer by getting the nod to play against the Broncos. . Barkley will get the headlines and the attention, but it could be Booker who gets the ball and the yards.

He’s fine with it.

“I know I haven’t been in any playoff games or Super Bowls or anything like that,” Booker told The Post. “But I’ve been in a lot of different systems and I know a lot of football. I have acquired a lot of knowledge during these years. That’s what I can bring, and my playing ability. They wouldn’t have wanted me to come here if I wasn’t playing well or doing what I was supposed to do on the pitch. ”

Booker was one of the Giants’ most curious signings. They were ready to part ways with Wayne Gallman and they wanted an experienced running back to team up with Barkley, who has just had reconstructive knee surgery. Booker, signed on to a two-year contract worth up to $ 6 million, was an attractive choice. The 29-year-old was a fourth-round pick for the Broncos in 2016 and his busiest season, by far, was his rookie, when he started six games and ran for 612 yards on 174 carries.

Since then, there has been only one more start for Booker, last season for the Raiders. He ran the ball 93 times for 423 yards last year. He has career totals of 1,526 yards and seven touchdowns and 122 receptions for 956 yards and one touchdown.

There is no indication on Booker’s resume that he can handle a full load. Everything suggests he will be needed early in the season, as the Giants play their first two games four days apart and will not tempt fate and risk Barkley’s knee by making him the part. mistress of the offensive right away. The only other running back on the list is rookie Gary Brightwell.

“He looks damn good,” Booker said of Barkley. “He had a lot of free time and he worked hard. Just looking at the way he worked, he’s ready. ”

Ready to play? Yes. Ready for 20-25 keys? No.

Come in, Booker.

“This is my sixth season and when I get the ball, very determined, I run,” Booker said. “It’s football at the end of the day. I have nothing to say to Giants fans or anything like that. I have to wait and see and go from there.

“Absolutely, I am confident. I must be confident. If I’m not at all confident, I won’t play my game, I won’t be myself. I am really confident in my abilities. Whatever cards are dealt in this game, only time will tell. ”