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Report: Barkley Could Return Week 1, But No Later Than Week 3
As SI.com's Patricia Traina suggested this morning, given his importance in achieving their goals this season, the Giants refuses to take any unnecessary risks jeopardizing the long-term health of star running back Saquon Barkley in his return from a torn ACL.
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, no one with the Giants is ruling out the running back for Week 1, but Barkley, who is currently on the Active/PUP list as he continues the latter stages of his rehab, is expected to be back no later than Week 3.
The Giants open the season on Sept. 12 against the Denver Broncos. They host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3 on Sept. 26.
The Week 3 scenario would mean Barkley would be back on the field in a game on September 26, a year and six days removed from when he first suffered the injury last year in a Week 2 game at Chicago.
Barkley underwent reconstructive surgery to repair his ACL and a partially torn meniscus. He also suffered a sprained MCL in his original injury, but that particular injury reportedly didn't need to be addressed via surgery.
Barkley had his surgery on October 30, a little over a month after suffering the initial injury, as he had to wait for the swelling to subside.
BleacherReport.com's Rob Goldberg reminded readers that Barkley and the Giants have been coy about his potential return. He told reporters last month there was no definite timetable for him to play in games.
"I don't know," Barkley said. “I’ve been asked a lot—I guess that's the theme of this summer is when I'm going to be back. But I don't have an answer, to be honest. Not trying to lead up to it or build something up. I don't have an answer."
Until Barkley is back, the Devontae Booker, Alfred Morris and Elijhaa Penny would likely be asked to play greater bigger roles.
In the meantime, sharp fantasy owners will remember his production as a runner and receiver makes Barkley one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league when he is at full strength. At some point early on, he seems likely to be there. Don't be afraid to leverage the discount resulting from the concerns of leaguemates as you head into drafts.