Former University of Arkansas running back Peyton Hillis began the 2013 NFL season in training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Released by the franchise on September 21 however, the 'Madden NFL 12' cover athlete wasn't sure he'd be given another chance to showcase his ability at the highest of levels. While the 27-year-old had enjoyed a large amount of success with the Denver Broncos and most notably the Cleveland Browns - where he rushed for 1,177 yards and 11 scores in 2010 - Hillis' overall production slipped from 2011-2013 as he spent time with Cleveland, the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay.
Three weeks after his release from the winless Buccaneers, Hillis had the opportunity to work out for the New York Giants. Signed shortly after putting on a strong display, the former Arkansas standout was signed by the 2011 Super Bowl Champions. Due to the fact that the Giants continue to suffer a rash of injuries to their running back corps, Hillis was inserted to the rotation immediately where he had an instant impact. Rushing for 36 yards and a score on 18 carries, Hillis lifted the Giants to a 23-7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night, New York's first win of the season. In addition to his solid ground achievements, the 27-year-old also recorded 5 catches for 45 yards, adding to a special return to the NFL Hillis wasn't sure would ever come.
"It seems like the movie 'The Natural,'" Hillis said after the win. "Where he's out of the game for 10 years, he comes back and he starts doing well for the team. It just feels like that. It feels like I've been beat around here for the past couple years and really never getting an opportunity. When I got this call, when I thought my career was over, I went out and was like I'm going to give it all I can and see what happens. I felt that I did OK."
"I still believe if you give me a couple more weeks and I get the grasp of the offense and get my legs underneath me, I can show you some glimpses," he continued. "I just need some time and hopefully I'll have that time to be here and show that."
Now that Peyton Hillis has earned himself a spot in the backfield rotation of the New York Giants alongside rookie Michael Cox, second-year back David Wilson and Brandon Jacobs - who both continue to battle injury and were absent in NY's win over Minnesota - fantasy football owners are beginning to wonder if the former 1,000-yard rusher is worth a waiver wire pick-up.
While a performance of 81 rush yards and 1 rushing touchdown will usually bring an owner around 14 fantasy points - 1 point for every 10 yards rushing and 6 points for a rushing TD - Hillis' role could lessen to that of a goal-line back if and when Wilson and Jacobs are able to rejoin the line-up. Jacobs rushed for over 100 yards and 2 scores in a recent loss to the Chicago Bears and although he sat out Monday night against the 1-5 Vikings, the Giants will surely want to see what they have in the 31-year-old veteran as the season progresses.
Depending on what you have on your roster and what the waiver wire offers, Hillis may become a nice pick-up since he'll be used around the goal line for the Giants. A potential swipe of Peyton Hillis could also be justified depending on what your team's bye week at the running back position(s) looks like. For now, it may be worth monitoring Hillis' production before making a move.
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