[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbx61yex5whq8aq player_id=none image=https://giantswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]
It’s been a long road back for Saquon Barkley.
After suffering a severe knee injury in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears last season, the New York Giants running back scratched and clawed to return.
Barkley’s first three weeks of the season had been less than impressive. He looked tentative, lacked his typical explosion and had many wondering if his best years were behind him.
[listicle id=675938]
Even some Giants legends hit the airwaves to criticize Barkley a bit. And maybe that struck a nerve; maybe it helped propel the 24-year-old forward.
Whatever it was, Barkley erupted in Week 4 with several big-time plays in big-time moments, including a game-winning, walk-off touchdown in overtime.
Finally. The Saquon Barkley that had been missing for over a calendar year.
“The guys see him work hard day in and day out and I think everyone shares in that excitement. We’re happy for him. No one deserves it more for what he does and what he puts into it,” quarterback Daniel Jones told reporters after the game.
“I’ve said this before about Saquon, everybody has seen how much and how hard he’s worked with the adversity he’s seen and had to overcome,” head coach Joe Judge added. “This wasn’t a small injury that he’s had to work and battle through. He’s gone through a lot of things, but he’s always kept the team first in everything he’s done, and they see that. There’s a reason he was selected as a captain by his teammates and to represent them with how he works and performs on the field.”
Barkley finished the game with 126 total yards and two touchdowns, but it was his powerful six-yard TD to sent the Giants home winners that was the real statement.
Saquon is back.
[vertical-gallery id=675940]