Giants’ Saquon Barkley details return from injury and status heading into training camp

New York Giants, Saquon Barkley
Nov 4, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during warm ups before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Despite coming off a torn ACL, MCL, and partially torn meniscus, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is still considered one of the best in the NFL. Having just one above-average season to his name, most view him as a game-breaking offensive weapon who can provide electric moments at any given moment.

However, Saquon has been rehabilitating the past few months from the brutal knee injury he suffered in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears last year. Luckily, it was early in the season, giving him plenty of time to recuperate and strengthen the ligaments ahead of the 2021 campaign. Posting workout videos and action shots of his progress, Barkley seems ready to take on a full workload at the start of the regular season, but the Giants will likely ease him into contact.

Barkley joined the Rich Eisen Show recently, and of course, was asked about his injury and expended timetable for return:

“I’m feeling good,” said Barkley. “I’m doing good, taking it day by day, trying to get one percent better every single day. I’m enjoying my time. Obviously, camp is approaching soon, so I’m enjoying time with my family and still trying to get the work in that I can before things ramp up.”

The New York Giants are gearing up for camp to start this week:

Training camp officially starts next Tuesday, where every player will be expected to arrive. On Wednesday, Rockies will report and quarterback/injured players on Thursday, which includes Barkley.

“My body tells me what it’s ready for the next day,” Barkley said. “That’s the only thing I can do. I can’t look too far [ahead], I have to take it one day at a time and keep that approach. Like I said, I’m very fortunate enough to have an amazing team, an amazing organization that listens to me, listens to my body, and is going to help me and do the right thing by me.”

The Giants have given Barkley everything he needs to return to normal, having played just 15 games the last two seasons. They know what he offers when fully healthy, though, a unique runner that amassed over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns in his rookie season. Signing Kenny Golladay and drafting Kadarius Toney should allow Barkley to operate with less attention focused on stopping the run. The healthy blend of weapons will provide a better offense, as long as the protection scheme can take a step forward.