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New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is currently working his way back from a torn ACL and expects to be 100 percent by the start of the regular-season.
It’s been a long journey for Barkley and there have been both highs and lows along the road. He admitted in February that in the days after tearing up his knee, there were a few truly weak moments. However, once that passed, it was full steam ahead.
“If I came back and things didn’t go the way I envision them going — I can’t see that, because that’s the way I envision it — but I know I’m [going] to do everything necessary to put myself in the right position the smart way and right way to come back better,” Barkley said during an episode of ‘Hotboxin.’ “If it’s not in the cards for me to do it, at least I know I can look myself in the mirror that I put the work ethic and did the little things to become one of the best to do it.”
As Barkley inches closer and closer to his return, his confidence grows. And over the weekend, he promised the football world that they’ve not seen anything yet.
You ain’t seen, nothing yet!!!!! 🎶 🎶 https://t.co/hiXv7RudRy
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) April 2, 2021
As a rookie in 2018, Barkley looked like the NFL’s next dominant force. He accounted for 2,028 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns en route to the Rookie of the Year Award and a Pro Bowl appearance. He also set the NFL’s single-season record for receptions by a running back (91).
Unfortunately for Barkley, ankle issues hindered him in 2019 before a torn ACL in Week 2 shut him down completely in 2020.
In 2021, the Giants will once again put their eggs in Barkley’s basket. He will be they featured back and a main cog in their offense, which should be dramatically improved following the additions of Kenny Golladay, John Ross and Kyle Rudolph.
One thing the Giants won’t do however, is extend Barkley’s contract. At least not right now.
“We’re not in any hurry to do that,” Giants co-owner John Mara said in March. “We fully expect him to be as good as new. We hope he’s going to be a Giant for life. At the appropriate time, we’ll start [extension] discussions.”
If Barkley comes back in 2021 and lives up to his promise, the Giants will undoubtedly rethink their stance on that extension.