Saquon Barkley made one of his best plays as a Giant at practice on Monday. It also may wind up being one of his last for a little while.
The rookie running back extended himself to catch a deep pass from Kyle Lauletta on a wheel route down the left sideline, pulling the ball in with his fingertips and never breaking stride for what would have been a touchdown in a game situation. But he came back from the play a little gingerly and was attended to by members of the medical staff. He did not return to the practice field for the remainder of the abbreviated workout.
Pat Shurmur, speaking right after practice, said he had no update on Barkley's condition. "We'll see," he said. "I think he's all right, but we'll find out."
Barkley had a wrap on his left leg at one point, presumably with some ice in it, while the rest of the team finished the practice. He walked off the field without the wrap when practice concluded, casually chatting with teammates, but seemed to be flexing and testing his legs as he walked.
Even if it just a simple tweak or twinge, the Giants will want to be super cautious with Barkley who figures to play a huge role in the offense this season. With upcoming joint practices against the Lions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, plus a preseason game in Detroit on Friday night, it may be wiser to hold him out for a few days rather than risk exacerbating something _ even a tiny something _ that could jeopardize his availability in the opener on Sept. 9.
