Saquon Barkley injury update: NY Giants’ star non-participant in first camp practice

Saquon Barkley wasn’t able to practice on the first day of NY Giants training camp as he continues to rehab a torn ACL

The NY Giants promised to take a long-term vision when it comes to Saquon Barkley’s return from a torn ACL, and Wednesday that approach manifested itself in the star running back working on the side durinh the first practice of training camp.

Of course, Barkley begins Giants training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Barkley suffered his injury in a Week 2 loss to the Chicago Bears last September, and the first day of camp was always a hyper-aggressive return timeline.

Giants head coach Joe Judge has been emphatic that the team won’t rush Barkley back onto the field before he’s fully healthy.

“He’s been doing a great job since day one of working,” Judge told FanSided, during a wide ranging phone conversation. “He’s made a lot of gains throughout this spring and summer. I know he’s anxious to get back on the field, but the one thing we really need to know and do is take the long-term vision with him.

“That’s long-term for this season, that when we get him out there we can keep him out there, and long-term for his career … He’s still a young player and ultimately we have to do what’s best for him and what’s best for the team.”

The first few days of training camp will be largely conditioning and light drills, under the NFL’s agreement with the NFLPA, before ramping up to more physical practices next month as the season approaches.

Barkley, once he’s healthy enough to return, will likely be a focal point of the NY Giants’ offense.

Through his first two-plus seasons, despite missing three games in 2019 due to a high-ankle sprain, has rushed for 2,344 yards with 17 touchdowns and caught 149 passes for 1,219 yards and six more scores in 31 career games.

“Whenever we get him out there,” Judge said. “We’ll know that he’s ready to go, and that he will be a strength for our team.”

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