New York Giants news, 9/30 – Saquon Barkley could return earlier than expected

Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!

The New York Giants will undoubtedly play it safe when it comes to star running back Saquon Barkley’s high ankle sprain. Despite Barkley’s ability to return from a similar injury in just two weeks while at Penn State, the NFL is a much more grueling league and the physicality of the players make injuries more frequent.

After consulting with two professional doctors, the timetable for Barkley’s return landed in the 6-8 week range. Some even believed he would return in week 12, after the Giants’ BYE week to face the Chicago Bears. That would undoubtedly be a cautionary timeline for recovery and give him plenty of rest to ensure the injury was fully healed. However, Barkley seems to be well ahead of his professional rehabilitation program, considering he is already out of the walking boot and strolling without a limp around the team facilities.

In fact, Barkley is already telling people that he can beat the timetable for recovery from the high ankle sprain, despite the training-staff pushing him to be cautious. In his absence, Wayne Gallman will act as the starter and was productive against the Washington Redskins on Sunday, picking up 60 yards on 18 touches and 55 receiving yards on six receptions. He also scored two touchdowns, helping the Giants to a 24-3 victory at home.

The Giants will look to him once more against a stout Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots defense in the coming weeks. The tough part of the schedule is rolling around, and the Giants likely lost their best linebacker in Ryan Connelly to a torn ACL. Trouble could be near.

Nonetheless–

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