Saquon Barkley Injury Update: New York Giants’ Star Running Back Casts a Shadow Over Return

The New York Giants have had it rough over the past few seasons. But amidst all the disappointment, they had one shining light — Saquon Barkley. 

Drafted in 2018 with the second overall pick, Barkley burst onto the scene from the get-go. Winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, the running back earned his first Pro Bowl call up that very season. 

A freight train to contend with, Barkley’s herculean strength and agility have helped him become one of the best in running the rock. In fact, he’s been so good that he even found a mention on NY-based rapper Jay Critch’s song ‘I’m A Star’ which featured on Madden 20.

After impressing again in 2019, Barkley’s growth was hampered by an injury-hit 2020 campaign. The running back could only feature in two of the Giants’ outings last season after tearing his ACL during a game against the Chicago Bears. 

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Undergoing surgery in October, Barkley has had a long road to recovery. But while Giants fans expect Barkley to be back for the 2021 season opener, that might not be the case. 

Saquon Barkley yet to regain match fitness

Saquon Barkley has kept it low-key since picking up the injury. Recently appearing for his first interview since last season, the running back stated that he was taking the recovery process “day by day” and was unwilling to put a date on when he would return.

“It’s going to be whenever my body tells me I’m ready. Whenever I’m able to show everyone I’m ready again, that’s when I’ll be able to go out there,” Barkley said while talking to SNY. 

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In Barkley’s breakthrough rookie campaign, the running back played 16 games. But ever since, he’s managed a cumulative 15 starts.

Barkley professed the need to remain patient and not rushing the process so as to avoid a relapse. This could further push back his return date and might even end his season before it even begins. 

“It’s tough because it’s getting closer and closer,” Barkley said. “But at the end of the day, you’ve got to continue to stay patient. You want to be back as fast as you can, obviously. But I’m going to come back to do the best I can for my team. Not just for the short span, but for a long time.”

Barkley’s explosiveness was definitely missed by the franchise last season. In his absence, the Giants offense ranked 31st overall, failing to average even 18 points per game.

Thus Giants fans will keep their fingers crossed as another season without Barkley could well spell another season without the playoffs.

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