The New York Giants had to face the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night without their star running back Saquon Barkley, who was ruled out for the second consecutive game due to a high ankle sprain. Barkley suffered the injury in the final minutes of the Giants’ comeback win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, and has been unable to practice since then.
Barkley was listed as doubtful on Saturday’s injury report, but he arrived at MetLife Stadium with the possibility of talking himself into the lineup. However, after testing his ankle on the field before the game, he was deemed inactive by the Giants’ coaching staff. Barkley was seen wearing a protective boot on his right foot as he watched his teammates warm up.
Barkley’s absence a big blow for Giants’ offense
Barkley’s absence is a big blow for the Giants’ offense, which relies heavily on his dynamic playmaking ability. Barkley led the NFL in scrimmage yards and touchdowns as a rookie in 2018, and was off to a strong start this season before his injury. He had 114 rushing yards and a touchdown on 29 carries, and 58 receiving yards and another touchdown on nine catches in two games.
Without Barkley, the Giants have turned to a committee of running backs to fill the void. Devontae Booker, Gary Brightwell, and Elijhaa Penny have shared the workload in the backfield, but none of them have been able to replicate Barkley’s production or impact. The Giants rank 28th in the league in rushing yards per game (77.7) and 29th in yards per carry (3.4) through three weeks.
Barkley optimistic about his recovery and return
Despite missing two games and possibly more, Barkley remains optimistic about his recovery and return. He told Amazon Prime’s Taylor Rooks that he suffered a high ankle sprain, but that it’s not as severe as it could have been. He also said that he’s a quick healer and hopes to be ready for Week 5 when the Giants travel to Miami to play the Dolphins.
Barkley has dealt with injuries throughout his career, most notably a torn ACL that sidelined him for most of the 2020 season. He worked hard to rehab his knee and make it back for the season opener this year, only to suffer another setback in Week 2. However, he has not lost his confidence or his determination to overcome adversity.
“I’m just going to continue to trust God’s plan,” Barkley said. “I know he has something special for me.”
