Why Running Back Saquon Barkley missing training camp isn’t the worst thing for NY Giants
Running back Saquon Barkley tore his ACL in week two of the 2020 season against the Chicago Bears, and aims to return for a critically important 2021 campaign.
Barkley has been rehabbing all summer, but his recent comments seem to indicate he does not know if he will be ready for training camp or Week 1 of the regular season, for that matter. Barkley has been at the team’s facility this offseason getting his work in on the side.
When training camp begins next Wednesday, there’s a chance that Barkley will still be working on the side while his teammates begin preparations in earnest for the 2021 season.
Why taking things slow with Saquon Barkley might be best for the NY Giants
If Barkley does miss training camp, this won’t be the worst thing for the NY Giants.
Barkley will have more time to rehab, and rest up for Week 1, the NY Giants can focus and lean more on the passing game to incorporate the new weapons, and they’ll be plenty of time for the offensive line to gel.
Pro Football Focus ranked the NY Giants’ offensive line in last place ahead of this upcoming season.
The Giants will also get a good look at running back Devontae Booker who they signed during free agency.
"“One of the reasons we prioritized Devontae is: You can never have too many good players, at any position. I don’t care what anybody says,” general manager Dave Gettleman told reporters in April. “One of the things that made Devontae so attractive was the fact that we felt he was a legitimate three-down running back. So it’s always a group decision here. Everything is in the best interest of the Giants. So we feel he can be a good part of our solution at running back.”"
This is what you like to hear since there is no exact time table of when Barkley will be back, and the Giants can get a closer look at Booker with Barkley gone.
Devontae Booker and Giants agree to a two-year, $6M deal, per @JFowlerESPN pic.twitter.com/NLipqW2EtP
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) March 16, 2021
When Barkley is healthy, he cannot be stopped. He has the most receptions by a rookie running back in a single season.