The moment New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley fell to the ground in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, his face told the story.
After taking off his helmet and grimacing with severe pain, Barkley clutched his right knee. Everyone’s worst fears became a reality on Monday, as the Giants confirmed an ACL tear that will keep Barkley out for the entire 2020 season. He will now begin rehabilitating for 2021, coming off a significant high ankle sprain that limited him to 13 games in 2019.
Giants confirm Saquon Barkley tore his ACL.
He will have surgery in the near future and miss the 2020 season.
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) September 21, 2020
The Giants have no choice but to move forward without their allusive and electric running back, and they will need to find a supplement in the meantime.
They’ve already scheduled a visit for free agent Devonta Freeman, who spent the last six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. At 28 years old, he’s coming off a season with 656 yards on the ground and 410 through the air. He is a solid running back who could fill a major void for the Giants immediately. However, the loss of Barkley is a big one and will undoubtedly limit their offensive capabilities.
Quarterback Daniel Jones hasn’t enjoyed a full game with his entire arsenal of weapons since his inception in the NFL last year. A poor offensive line and lack of talent around him has severely limited his progression up to this point. Hopefully, he can return to full health and pick up where he left off next year.