NY Giants running back Saquon Barkley says there is “no doubt in my mind” that he will return and be as good or better a player in 2021
NY Giants running back Saquon Barkley is in the throes of rehabbing a surgically repaired torn ACL, but vows to be a better player once he gets back on the field next season.
“No doubt in my mind,” Barkley said Thursday, when asked if he’ll be back as good or better.
Barkley tore his ACL in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, on the heels of a disappointing 2019 season where he suffered through the lingering effects of a high-ankle sprain that cost him three games in his second NFL season.
Despite the adversity of the past 24 months, Barkley is relying on his work ethic, drive, and physical gifts to help him avoid the fate of so many other running backs whose careers were derailed by nagging injuries.
“I’m never going to go into anything with a negative approach,” Barkley said. “My mindset is going to be what gets you through a lot of things in life. I just think I know that I’ll be able to come out of this a better player. I know that starts with today, in rehab, and continue to push myself.
“Sometimes they say when they do ACL reconstruction, your ACL becomes 10 times stronger. I’m just trying to come in with the mindset of getting one percent better every single day.”
Barkley admits though, that he does not have a target date in mind for when he’ll be back on the field and back 100 percent healthy.
Beyond knocking Barkley out of action for the final 14 games of the season, the 23-year-old’s financial future is now clouded by a bit of uncertainty as he was likely in line to become the highest-paid running back in the NFL next year had he played this season and performed at a high level.
That’s just not on his radar at the moment, and neither is the decision on whether to play next season without a contract extension in hand.
“I don’t really focus on it,” Barkley said. “I’m not really focused on money right now. I’m just focused on trying to come in every single day and get 100 percent better. Whenever that day is, I can be ready to come back and be ready for my team.”
Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.