New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Giants RB Saquon Barkley expected to play season opener against Broncos

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/6/21

The New York Giants received some good news relating to Saquon Barkley on Monday.

The star running back is close to being fully cleared and is gearing up to play Sunday in New York's season opener against the Denver Broncos, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

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

Barkley suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 last season and hasn't played since. Despite the tear occurring nearly one year ago, there had still been questions about whether or not he would be healthy enough for Week 1.

Rapoport added the Giants need to watch Barkley get through to Thursday's practice without any setback to gauge his readiness for a full workload.

New York could always opt to take a conservative approach with Barkley, limiting his snaps in Week 1 before increasing his workload in Week 2 and beyond. Regardless, the fact there are discussions about Barkley being close to fully cleared is great for the Giants' offense.

When healthy, Barkley is one of the NFL's most dangerous and dynamic offensive weapons. The 24-year-old ran for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons in New York, and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 after he amassed 2,027 total yards and 15 total touchdowns.

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