New York Giants: Saquon Barkley seems to be close to a return

Published by
Anthony Rivardo

The New York Giants have been without their star running back Saquon Barkley since Week Five. In the first quarter of the Giants’ fifth game of the season, Barkley suffered an ankle sprain that has kept him sidelined for five weeks. The Giants are on a bye this week preparing for a Monday night matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Seemingly, Saquon Barkley has a good chance to return for this game.

Saquon Barkley’s career has been derailed by injuries through three seasons. After tearing his ACL in 2020, Saquon bounced back and started as the Giants’ running back in Week One of this season. Again, though, the Giants running back suffered an injury that has kept him sidelined for over a month. Saquon’s stay on the side might soon come to an end, though.

According to reporters, Saquon Barkley looks like he is close to making a return. Barkley looked “explosive and comfortable” doing drills in practice today.

Saquon Barkley’s participation in practice was highlighted by other Giants players’ lack of participation. Left tackle Andrew Thomas worked on the side with trainers today while Saquon practiced and impressed the coaches and media.

Saquon Barkley’s impact upon return

It seems like, barring any setbacks, Saquon Barkley will return to the Giants’ starting lineup on Monday night. The Giants’ 2018 first-round pick is known to be one of the most explosive playmakers in the NFL when healthy. Getting Barkley back on the field would provide a huge boost to the Giants’ middling offense.

Devontae Booker has been playing well in place of Saquon Barkley. Last week, the Giants’ backup totaled 99 rushing yards in the team’s upset victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Considering Saquon is returning from a significant injury, in addition to the fact that Devontae Booker has been running the ball well, the Giants could roll into Monday night with a split backfield. Saquon is electric with the ball in his hands, but Booker has done a good job churning out ugly yards on the ground. The two could form a nice fire and ice duo in the backfield to finish the season for New York.

This post was published on 2021-11-15 17:29

Anthony Rivardo
Published by
Anthony Rivardo