Training camp is the next big event on the schedule for the New York Giants, but they’re set to open up with one of their major players taking a lesser role. The player in question is Saquon Barkley, who is entering this season recovering from an ACL injury.
His comeback timeline has been the subject of speculation this offseason and still remains uncertain, but it looks like a week one return is most likely. Part of that plan to bring Barkley back in week one could include having him take it easy earlier in the offseason rather than pushing it.
According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, Barkley has made impressive progress – but the Giants will still limit him early on in training camp.
Barkley is sprinting and jumping, impressing those around him, even if the current plan does not include him being involved in the offseason on-field workouts with the team. He is not expected to be a full participant in practices early in training camp. If he’s outside at practice during organized team activities and minicamp this spring, it will be mostly to watch.
Notably, Barkley is also expected to mostly sit out the organized team activities leading up to training camp, which is set for a tentative starting date of July 27.
None of this should be too concerning, of course. Barkley when at his best is the most valuable asset the Giants have, so it makes sense that protecting his health is a top priority for the organization.
The Giants have also brought on a number of new backup running backs this offseason and will have an entirely new look at that spot, so from the looks of things, the plan is to have other options and not put too much pressure on Barkley.
A slower start to getting back on the field, after all, will quickly be forgiven if Barkley is once again able to play at his best later on because of it.