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Following up on a previous item. ... The New York Giants began their Monday with excellent news: Saquon Barkley is returning to the practice field.

The running back came off the physically unable to perform list and he will practice for the first time in 2021 training camp on Monday afternoon.

Barkley ripped up his knee, including an ACL tear, in Week 2 of the 2020 campaign. After surgery, the rehab process has been slow and arduous for the dynamic playmaker.

The Giants hoped to get the star back on the field in early August, but some reluctant comments from Barkley and the club when camp opened gave the indication his timeline could be pushed. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted last week that the Giants pegged anytime between Week 1 and 3 for a Barkley return.

Even if he doesn't do much, Barkley returning to the practice field today and exiting the PUP list is the first glimmer of hope we have gotten that the former Pro Bowler might be ready for the season opener. The Giants could have kept him on the PUP list for several more weeks, so his return to practice today indicates that both Barkley and the team are comfortable with where he is in rehab.

Expect the ramp-up period to be lengthy for Barkley. The Giants haven't pushed him throughout his rehab, and they won't start now.

Day by day, however, we should expect to see baby steps from Barkley with the hope that he'll be full-go to open the 2021 season.