Every New York Giants fan this offseason is hoping the team will get Saquon Barkley back for week one.
Barkley’s absence was a notable part of the Giants’ struggles last year, and the Giants have focused on the wide receiver position this offseason with the assumption that they’ll have a healthy Barkley. After all, a good passing game is only worth so much if you can’t threaten with the run.
However, there’s no guarantee that Barkley will be there for the start of the season. This isn’t a cynical take that assumes the worst, but one based on the words of Giants co-owner and treasurer Jonathan Tisch.
TMZ was able to catch up with him and reports that he’s unsure about Barkley’s return date.
TMZ Sports spoke with Tisch out at Michael’s in New York City earlier this week … and he told us he’s pleased with what he’s heard about Barkley’s rehab so far. But, he added he doesn’t know if the 24-year-old will be able to begin the season on the field.
As the injury happened early last season, Barkley has had a fair amount of time to recover from it. It’s not uncommon for a player to return to the field the next year after tearing their ACL. However, due to Barkley’s importance to the franchise as one of their key pieces, it’s understandable that the staff aren’t rushing his return.
Head coach Joe Judge has previously stated that the decision to give the green light will be in the hands of the medical staff rather than the coaches.
We’ll just have to wait and see how those doctors decide, but it’s not entirely out of the question that the season could begin with Devontae Booker in the backfield instead of Saquon.