Giants’ Andrew Thomas, Saquon Barkley inching closer to returning

New York Giants LT Andrew Thomas and RB Saquon Barkley are inching closer to returns with Barkley, in particular, looking ready to go.

The New York Giants have returned from their bye week and at least initially, the injury news appears to be of the positive variety.

Head coach Joe Judge had his players out on the field for a brief practice on Monday and both left tackle Andrew Thomas (foot/ankle) and running back Saquon Barkley (ankle) were present.

Barkley, in particular, looked like a player ready to go, although you wouldn’t have been able to tell based on Judge’s comments.

“In terms of Saquon, he’ll be out here today doing some stuff with us and we’ll see how that kind of builds in throughout the rest of the week,” Judge told reporters. “He lost a lot last week not having the availability with the COVID stuff. That set him back a little bit — I wouldn’t say set him back physically, but in terms of his timetable and not having him ready for that game. But, optimistic we’ll have him out there today and see how he moves.”

Judge actually sounded more optimistic about Thomas than he did Barkley despite the left tackle being relegated to side work.

“Andrew will move around a little bit with the trainers today. We’ll kind of see him over the next couple of days in terms of progress he’s making. It’s been moving in the right direction,” Judge said.

Meanwhile, wide receiver Sterling Shepard (quad) and linebacker Lorenzo Carter (ankle) were also relegated to side work.

Fullback Eli Penny, running back Devontae Booker and kicker Graham Gano were each excused for personal reasons.

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