Rookie David Wilson is now tutoring running backs and he's just a rookie . (US Presswire)

Last week Giants rookie RB David Wilson  was just a student.

As a third-string back he was hardly seeing the football, but second-year FB Henry Hynsoki began quizzing him on blocking assignments in an effort to get the first-round pick on the field. After all, the Giants don’t let anyone in the backfield unless that player can help protect QB Eli Manning.

Ultimately the broken fibula Ahmad Bradshaw’s backup RB Andre Brown suffered in Sunday’s win over the Packers forced the Giants’ hand. As coach Tom Coughlin said on Thursday, Wilson has to “ratchet it up” because “he’s got to go” against the Redskins on Monday night.

As we previously mentioned, Wilson did just fine on the quizzes, correctly identifying all of his assignments in the Giants’ different protection schemes. In fact, with the addition running backs Ryan Torain and Kregg Lumpkin this week, Wilson graduated from his role as student. Now, just like Hynoski, Wilson is doing some tutoring.

“When they ask me questions, I have to provide answers,” Wilson said, adding, “Now I’m getting double the work and making sure I know it.”

It’s unlikely Torain and Lumpkin would see significant time this week. Both said they’re learning a lot from Wilson, Hynoski, Bradshaw and running backs coach Jerald Ingram. However, Lumpkin conceded that the “verbiage” is a lot different than in his previous career stops and Torain said he knew absolutely “nothing” about the Giants’ offense before being signed earlier in the week.

So realistically, Bradshaw’s only real breather will be provided by Wilson; and given the former’s history of foot injuries and the latter’s inexperience (he has only 24 career carries) that could be a predicament for the 7-4 Giants.

“Maybe, but we’ve had people that have had to step up in the past when situations like this have arisen,” Coughlin said. “We’ve put a lot of responsibility on their shoulders and it’s time for [Wilson]. He’s a first round draft choice, a talented kid. He got some plays the other night, which was a good thing. We go from there.”

Coughlin was referring to Wilson’s six-carry, 13-yard performance against the Packers, which probably won’t cause Giants fans to swell with confidence.

Wilson, on the other hand, always has confidence. The former ACC Player of the Year began the season by assembling a list of goals that included 10 touchdowns (he has one), at least six 100-yard games (he has none) and finishing the season without a fumble (he had one in his first offensive series).

But in spite of his bumps in the road this year, Wilson’s self confidence hasn’t waned in the least. In fact, he predicted big things for himself and the team on Monday night in Washington.

“Somebody has to produce what [Brown] was doing and I’m the next man up so we’re definitely going to be prepared on [Monday] and there’s no question I’m going to go out there and give it my all and we’re going to come back with a win,” Wilson said.

If Giants fans are looking for some reassurance, there’s little to offer. Outside of a two big runs (40 yards and 20 yards), Wilson hasn’t had a lot of highlights on offense this season.

The good news -- for Manning, at least -- is that Wilson has lived up to one of his goals. He says he has yet to yield a sack, and if that continues, he’ll finally get a regular chance on offense.

Follow the Giants and Alex Raskin @CBSGiants and @AlexRaskinNYC.