Saquon Barkley back with Giants after false positive COVID test

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Report: Saquon Barkley back at Giants practice facility following false positive COVID-19 test

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 11/5/21

New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley has cleared one crucial hurdle in his attempt to return to game action for the first time since Week 5, but still has one more big one to go.

Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Barkley was back at the Giants practice facility on Friday morning after it was revealed that his previous positive COVID-19 test result was a false positive.

#Giants RB Saquon Barkley is back in the facility this morning, sources say. Further testing revealed a false positive COVID-19 test. Now, about that injured ankle…
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 5, 2021

The former AP Offensive Rookie of the Year is still battling through an ankle injury that he picked up during the team's Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, which he'll look to overcome in order to suit up on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Notably, the Giants have their bye in Week 10, so if New York wants to be cautious, they can keep their star player out through their off week and have him return in Week 11 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Giants are currently tied with the Washington Football at 2-6 for last place in the NFC East.

In five games this season, Barkley has rushed for 195 yards and two touchdowns on 54 carries, while adding 14 receptions for 130 yards and one touchdown on 20 targets.

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