The New York Giants will open up their 2021 season at home against the Denver Broncos on Sunday and there’s still hope that running back Saquon Barkley will be on the field when they do so. On Friday, the team officially listed Barkley as questionable for the Week 1 opener and he is seemingly on track to play. Head coach Joe Judge all but confirmed that Barkley — who suffered a torn ACL last season — will play against Denver, barring any setbacks. Following Friday’s practice, Barkley himself said he hasn’t suffered any setbacks, but wouldn’t fully reveal if he’d be back on the field this weekend, leaving that decision up to the coaching staff.
“I’ma go in there, I’ma sit down and I’ma say, ‘I’ma do whatever the team wants me to do,”http://www.cbssports.com/” Barkley, who was a limited participant in practice, said, via NFL.com. “Whatever they believe is the best thing for me and for the team, and if they feel like it’s ready for me to go, then I’m ready to go. If they think I should wait it out a little bit, then I’ll wait it out a little bit.”
Barkley suffered his ACL tear in Week 2 of the 2020 season and the team has brought him along slowly this summer. Given that there were no setbacks on Friday, however, it does seem like Barkley is en route to play in some capacity. The team could elect to ease him back into the rotation in the opener and limit his carries out of the gate, but however much they’re able to get from the All-Pro back should boost the offense.
While Barkley still has a chance of suiting up, the Giants have officially ruled out tight end Evan Engram (calf).
Download the CBS Sports app to get the latest news surrounding Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley and the rest of the New York Giants. If you already have the CBS Sports app, favorite the Giants right now to get the latest insights, analysis and player news.
