Saquon Barkley Expected to Miss Three Weeks with Ankle Sprain
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is set to miss three weeks of action after suffering an ankle sprain in Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. An MRI revealed that Barkley’s injury is an “ordinary” ankle sprain, which is a relief for the Giants as it means he will not be sidelined for an extended period of time.
Barkley sustained the injury late in the fourth quarter of the Giants’ thrilling 31-28 comeback victory over the Cardinals. Despite the injury, Barkley managed to score two touchdowns in the second half, helping his team erase a 21-point deficit. However, on the second-to-last play of the game, Barkley got his ankle caught at the bottom of a pile, causing immediate pain and requiring assistance from trainers to leave the field.
Following the game, Barkley underwent an X-ray, which came back negative for any fractures. However, his ankle was still swollen, prompting the need for an MRI on Monday morning. The results confirmed the ankle sprain and indicated that Barkley will need three weeks to recover.
The timing of Barkley’s injury is unfortunate for the Giants, as their next three opponents are all playoff teams from last season: the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Miami Dolphins. In Barkley’s absence, the Giants will rely on Matt Breida, Gary Brightwell, and rookie Eric Gray to fill the void at the running back position.
This injury comes at a crucial time for Barkley, who is playing on a revised franchise tag this year and is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Missing playing time due to injury could potentially impact his chances of securing a significant contract in the future.
In a recent interview, Barkley acknowledged the public scrutiny surrounding his contract situation but expressed his determination to focus on the present and perform at a high level for his team. He emphasized his commitment to proving himself on the field and contributing to the success of his teammates.
Barkley’s ankle sprain is not the first time he has dealt with this type of injury. In 2019, he missed three games due to a right ankle injury, and in 2021, he missed four games with a left ankle injury. His history of ankle ailments raises concerns about his long-term durability and ability to stay on the field consistently.
The absence of Barkley will undoubtedly impact the Giants’ offense. In Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, Barkley played an impressive 97% of the team’s offensive snaps, showcasing his importance to the team’s game plan. Additionally, he played the highest percentage (80.2%) of his team’s running back snaps last season, further highlighting his significance to the Giants’ rushing attack.
As the Giants prepare for their upcoming games without Barkley, they will need to adjust their offensive strategy and find ways to compensate for his absence. The success of their running game will heavily rely on the performance of Breida, Brightwell, and Gray, who will need to step up and fill Barkley’s shoes.
While the Giants and their fans are relieved that Barkley’s injury is not more severe, they will undoubtedly miss his explosive playmaking ability and versatility on the field. The team will need to rally together and find ways to overcome this setback as they face tough competition in the coming weeks.
Overall, Barkley’s ankle sprain is a setback for both him and the Giants. It remains to be seen how quickly he can recover and return to action. In the meantime, the Giants will need to make adjustments and rely on their depth at the running back position to keep their offense rolling.