After missing nearly all of the 2020 NFL season with a torn ACL, Saquon Barkley is returning to practice with the New York Giants. Now that he’s back to work, people want to know what Barkley’s status for Week 1 looks like.
Speaking to the media this week, Barkley said he is “definitely hopeful” to play in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. But he isn’t ready to commit to being ready by then.
Per ProFootballTalk, Barkley said that he doesn’t know if he’ll participate in any of the Giants’ preseason games. Though Barkley doesn’t really believe that playing in the preseason is completely necessary to prepare for the season.
Judging by how he’s looked in practice so far, the injury doesn’t seem to be hindering him. He’s taking handoffs and catching passes just as he did before – albeit at the slower, practice pace.
Saquon Barkley returns to practice today pic.twitter.com/tLdE7COTOR
— New York Giants (@Giants) August 9, 2021
2021 is going to be a crucial year for Saquon Barkley and the New York Giants. The Giants have already picked up Barkley’s fifth-year option for 2022, but talks on a contract extension aren’t exactly heading up even as other members of the 2018 draft class get their big extensions.
Saquon Barkley made the Pro Bowl and won Rookie of the Year honors after leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage in 2018. He fell back down to earth a bit in 2019 due in part to injuries.
But 2020 was when things really fell apart. Barkley suffered a torn ACL as well as damage to other knee ligaments, and his season ended after two games.
Will Saquon Barkley take the field for the Giants in Week 1?
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