Saquon Barkley injury history and updates

When healthy, NY Giants running back Saquon Barkley is among the most dangerous players at his position in the NFL, but now has a lengthy injury history

How often does NY Giants running back Saquon Barkley been injured throughout his career?

Barkley, when healthy, is one of the most prolific running backs in the NFL, but has suddenly developed a lengthy injury history. For Barkley, this complicates matters ahead of contract negotiations with the Giants in the months ahead.

Here’s a look at some of Barkley’s notable injuries, as well as an update on the injury he recently sustained:

Update 11/15/2021: For the first time in over a month, Barkley returns to practice.

While Barkley’s injury hasn’t been classified as a high-ankle sprain, he has missed significant time. The NY Giants had hoped that he would return prior to the bye week, by virtue of not placing him on injured reserve. However, that did not happen. It would appear there is a chance Barkley could get back on the field Monday night In Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers.

Update 10/10/2021: Saquon Barkley suffers ankle injury vs. Dallas Cowboys

Saquon Barkley was knocked from the NY Giants’ 44-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys with an ankle injury, after planting awkwardly catching a pass in the first quarter.

NY Giants running back Saquon Barkley making progress in rehab from torn ACL

Update 6/9/2021 at 2:42 PM ET: Barkley tells reporters following one of the NY Giants’ mandatory minicamp practices, that he did not participate in, that he is making progress in his rehab from a torn ACL suffered in Week 2 of the 2020 season.

However, as he enters his third NFL season, Barkley says that he isn’t concerned about the uncertainty surrounding how his injuries impact his future with the NY Giants.

Throughout the NY Giants’ voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp practices this spring and summer, Barkley spent time rehabbing with the team’s training and medical staff prior to practice both on the field as well as inside the facility.

Saquon Barkley injury history

Saquon Barkley torn ACL, September 2020

Expectations were high for both Barkley and the NY Giants entering the 2020 season, but any hopes that Barkley would return to his dominant form from his rookie season in 2018 were quickly dashed.

Just 19 carries into his 2020 season, Barkley suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, ending his season before it really had the chance to get going.

Barkley appeared in just two games in 2020, rushing for 34 yards, while averaging 1.8 yards per carry.

The NY Giants likely want to see Barkley both be able to prove he can become one of the top-five running backs in the NFL upon returning, and that he can stay healthy while showing the requisite durability prior to committing to him the kind of contract that make the Penn State alum the highest-paid running back in the NFL.

Saquon Barkley high ankle sprain, September 2019

In the first half of the NY Giants’ victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in Daniel Jones’ first career start at quarterback, Barkley suffered a high-ankle sprain when he was awkwardly tackled and had to be helped to the locker room.

Barkley wound up returning after being sidelined for just three weeks, but was limited for much of the rest of the season.

One year removed from winning Offensive Rookie of The Year, the nagging effects of Barkley’s injury contributed to him rushing for 304 fewer yards and five fewer touchdowns than the 1,307 yards and 11 scores as a rookie.

Matt Lombardo is FanSided’s National NFL Insider and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday. Email Matt: Matt.Lombardo@FanSided.com, Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL