Saquon Barkley suffered a mild strain of his left hamstring during practice Monday, according to Giants coach Pat Shurmur.
"We'll be smart with him as we move along here," Shurmur said.
The rookie running back was injured while extending himself to catch a deep pass from Kyle Lauletta on a wheel route down the left sideline, pulling in the ball 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 tended to by members of the medical staff. He did not return to the practice field for the remainder of the abbreviated workout.
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.
The Giants will be super cautious with Barkley, who figures to play a huge role this season. With upcoming joint practices against the Lions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, plus a preseason game in Detroit on Friday night, Barkley likely will sit out. The Giants will not want to do anything that could jeopardize his availability for the season opener on Sept. 9.
