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Just a few short weeks ago, Saquon Barkley’s availability for a Week 1 game against the Denver Broncos was very much in doubt. But fast forward to Thursday and things have changed significantly for the New York Giants’ superstar.
Barkley suited up and took live contact during practice this week — something head coach Joe Judge said was required — and now appears ready to go.
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The Giants haven’t signed off on that yet, of course, but ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports there’s a “strong chance” Barkley now plays in Week 1.
#Giants RB Saquon Barkley is trending in the right direction and has a strong chance to play Week 1 against Denver, per source. Team won't decide until next week and has been cautious so could still hold him back. But there is optimism. Barkley tore his ACL in Week 2 of 2020.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 2, 2021
The timeline matches what Judge has said previously.
“He spent some time with the trainers, strength staff, [Wednesday] we’re going to put him in practice and start building his volume more than you’ve seen the previous weeks and then we’ll see Denver week, where that takes us,” Judge told reporters this week. “There won’t be a decision made on Saquon until Denver week and it’s probably not going to be Monday either guys, just to give you a heads up on that. We’re going to go ahead and see how his body responds and where he’s at.”
Fowler’s report also aligns with an earlier report by ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
Don’t be surprised if … Saquon Barkley plays in Week 1.
What I’m hearing: The Giants’ coaching staff and front office are leaving it up to the doctors to clear the running back for game action as he continues to recover from last year’s torn ACL, but there does seem to be some optimism that he has a chance to play in their opener.
Whether Barkley would take on a full workload right away or split carries with Devontae Booker is all to be worked out, but after a careful offseason, it seems as if the Giants could get their most important offensive player back in time to play a full season.
There is still a week to go before any final decisions are made, but Barkley is trending in the right direction and barring something unforeseen, will be active to start the regular-season.