Report: Giants RB Saquon Barkley Targeting Week 6 Return

Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, citing a source familiar with the team’s plans, reports that the Giants’ real target date for RB Saquon Barkley to return from a high ankle sprain is for their Week 6 game against the Patriots.

Vacchiano says that Giants appears to be amazed by Barkley’s recovery from his high ankle sprain, but not completely surprised. Even so, sources have told Vacchiano that New York is expected to take a very cautious approach with their star running back, especially given that they have two games in a five-day span.

Barkley did some running and cutting during Thursday’s practice and said his ankle “felt good.”

The plan, according to Barkley, is to listen to the team’s medical staff about when would be best for him to return to game action.

“I’m a competitor and definitely want to be out there for my team,” Barkley said. “But when you say team, it’s not just only in this building or on the football field. I have to trust my team in there. I think we have some of the best, if not the best, training staff starting with (Senior Vice President of Medical Services) Ronnie Barnes, all the way down. I’ll just continue to listen to them, have faith in them, and continue to do what I can to help my team win games whenever I’m able to come back.”

Giants HC Pat Shurmur refused to rule out Barkley for Sunday’s game, but indications are that he’s unlikely to suit up this weekend.

The initial timetable for Barkley was 6-8 weeks. Although it became clear soon after that he could be back before then. 

Barkley, 22, was taken with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Giants. Barkley is in the second year of his four-year, $31,321,752 rookie contract that included a $20,859,456 signing bonus.

The contract includes a fifth-year option for the Giants to pick up in 2021.

In 2019, Barkley has appeared in three games and rushed for 237 yards on 37 carries (6.4 YPC) to go along with 11 receptions for 74 yards receiving and one total touchdown.

We’ll have more regarding Barkley as the news is available.