If you drafted Saquan Barkley in your NFL fantasy draft, it’s still up in the air if you’ll be able to start him in week one.
With him coming off of a second major injury, the NY Giants have been extremely cautious with their franchise running back.
For the last two weeks, Barkley has been a part of the team’s 11-on-11 drills, has been receiving handoff and running pass routes in individual drills but the team still hasn’t cleared him for Sunday’s season opener against the Denver Broncos.
According to the NY Post, Barkley will take part in his second padded practice on Wednesday, which is also the day the team will release their first official injury report of the season.
Is it likely that Barkley will make his return to the Giants for Game One of the 2021 NFL Season?
From @GMFB: #Giants RB Saquon Barkley (knee) is close to being fully cleared. Meanwhile, TE Evan Engram (calf) hasn’t been ruled out vs. the #Broncos, but he’s considered a long-shot for Sunday heading into the week. pic.twitter.com/Imr4d26uO2
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 6, 2021
“That won’t be decided until later in the week,” NY Giants HC Joe Judge said. “I want to see how he responds to a couple things physically within his body and we’ll make the best assessment for him this weekend and going forward.”
If Barkley is unable to start, free agent acquisition Devontae Booker would get the start. The Giants signed him in the off-season to a 2-year, $6 million deal.
