When New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley went down with a knee injury last season, fans hoped for the best but prepared the worst.
Ultimately, Barkley’s injury was indeed serious — he was lost for the year with a torn ACL (plus damage to his MCL and meniscus).
But Barkley has attacked his recovery aggressively, as most would expect him to.
Now, as the Giants prepare the season, they hope to have their star running back in the lineup as early as possible. Although, it is very possible Barkley won’t be available week 1 against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium.
In fact, Ian Rapoport reports that Barkley could be out until Week 3 of the regular-season.
From @GMFB: The #Giants will likely see RB Saquon Barkley by Week 3 and although no one will rush him, no one has completely ruled out Week 1, either. pic.twitter.com/Pxlr8u9BpI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2021
It’s a positive note that starting the season on the PUP list seems to be off the table at this point. The Giants are hoping to get the offense on the field together as early as possible but with the severity of Barkley’s injury and the amount they have invest in the 2018 second overall pick, the team will make sure he is ready before he takes the field.
With the acquisition of Kenny Golladay, the Giants are poised to break out on offense when they get the entire unit on the field. Unfortunately, with the injuries to Barkley and Golladay (hamstring), New York will have to be cautious with both of their stuf playmakers.
