Giants RB Saquon Barkley expected to play vs. Buccaneers, barring setback
It looks like the New York Giants will finally get back one-time Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley into their offense in time for their Week 11 "Monday Night Football" matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After an injury-plagued 2020 campaign that limited him to just two games, Barkley has suffered a similar fate thus far this season, playing in only five of New York's first nine games. The 24-year-old made his way back from last year's torn ACL to start in the Giants' season-opening loss to the Denver Broncos in September, but was eased back into action after his long layoff.
Barkley recorded just 10 carries for 26 yards in Week 1 and played 29 offensive snaps, before ramping up to play 58, 60 and 56 snaps on offense in Weeks 2, 3 and 4. Barkley combined for 29 carries for 103 yards and two touchdowns, as well as 11 receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown across Weeks 3 and 4.
The former Offensive Rookie of the Year was limited to just six snaps and nine rushing yards on two carries during the team's Week 5 loss against the Dallas Cowboys.
In Barkley's absence, lead back duties have fallen on the shoulder of sixth-year pro Devontae Booker. In eight games this year -- including four starts -- Booker has recorded a team-high 85 carries and 315 rushing yards, while adding two touchdowns as well.
Booker has also brought in 20 of his 23 targets for 161 receiving yards and one touchdown.
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