NY Giants’ Saquon Barkley sidesteps committing to setting return timetable

NY Giants running back Saquon Barkley’s return should infuse some game-altering talent into what became a stagnant offense in 2020, but Barkley sidestepped a chance to commit to being back on the field Week 1.

"“Just coming in with the mindset of attacking it every single day, getting 1 percent better every single day,” Barkley said on CBS HQ on Monday. “For me, just trying to get better, and whenever I come back, just try to be a better version of myself for my team.”"

Barkley underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL suffered in Week 2 of the season, back in October, and aims to once again prove that he is among the top running backs in the NFL.

Entering his fourth NFL season, there is much at stake for Barkley who is in line for a contract extension, but the Giants will likely prefer to see him back on the field and show that he can stay healthy after missing three games in 2019 due to a high-ankle injury that limited him for much of that season, as well.

Through the first 31 games of his NFL career, Barkley has rushed for 2,344 yards and 17 touchdowns, while averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

Barkley admits that watching his team from the sideline was the toughest part of his injury, and while his rehab is going well, it remains to be seen when he’ll be back on the field with his teammates.

"“I’m doing really well in rehab,” Barkley said on the AP Pro Football Podcast. “Very lucky to have a great team around me, great trainers, great doctors. Everyone has been very beneficial to me and very helpful to me. So whenever the opportunity I’m able to get back on the football field with my team, I’m definitely going to cherish that moment and I just honestly can’t wait for that day to happen soon.”"

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.