The New York Giants had refused to rule running back Saquon Barkley out for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings as he continued to work his way back from a high ankle sprain, but his superhuman effort to return after just two weeks fell flat on Friday.
Despite making substantial leaps forward in his progress, Barkley failed to participate in the team’s final Week 5 practice and was subsequently ruled out.
In Barkley’s place, Wayne Gallman will once again get the start on Sunday with rookie Jon Hilliman serving as his backup.
In addition to Barkley, linebacker Alec Ogletree (hamstring) has been ruled out, leaving the Giants with a noticeable void at the inside linebacker position after losing rookie Ryan Connelly (ACL) for the year.
Unfortunately, Ogletree missing another game is compounded by the fact that fellow inside linebacker, Tae Davis (concussion), will also miss Sunday’s game against the Vikings, leaving the Giants exceptionally thin at the position.
And if things couldn’t be worse for the Giants at the linebacker position, Lorenzo Carter (neck) is listed as questionable and is expected to be a game-time decision.
That’s not good news for the Giants defense, so don’t be surprised if they made a transaction on Friday night or at some point on Saturday to bring in some additional reinforcements.
