Giants RB Saquon Barkley on track to be ready for season

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) warms up before the Blue-White Scrimmage at MetLife Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Giants RB Saquon Barkley on track to be ready for start of season after torn ACL

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 4/28/21

Fans of the New York Giants have not seen star running back Saquon Barkley carry the football since he suffered a torn ACL playing against the Chicago Bears back on Sept. 20.

Barkley underwent surgery in late October after swelling subsided, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the 24-year-old is on track to play in Week 1 of the 2021 season.

Barkley rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two NFL campaigns with the Giants, but there remain understandable questions about how he'll recover and if he'll be as explosive as he's been when at his best since September 2018.

Giants general manager Dave Gettleman suggested in early March at least some within the organization were concerned about Barkley's long-term health. As NFL Media noted earlier this week, New York has until Monday to exercise the fifth-year option attached to the back's rookie contract.

"Barkley's $7.217 million option-year salary in 2022 is lower than his 2021 salary cap number, which is $10,025,602," Joel Corry explained for CBS Sports last week. While the Giants will ultimately pick that option up, barring a surprise development, Gettleman and company may wait until next year before offering Barkley any extension.

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