Don’t expect to see NY Giants’ Saquon Barkley back anytime soon

Saquon Barkley will not participate in any live full-team drills during the NY Giants’ joint practices with the Cleveland Browns this week

The NY Giants continue to take a cautious approach to Saquon Barkley’s rehab from a torn ACL, which is likely the prudent thing to do, but could extend the timeline for the star running back to return to live drills.

Giants head coach Joe Judge told reporters in Cleveland prior to Thursday’s joint practices with the Browns that Barkley will not participate in any live drills over the next two days, or play in Sunday’s preseason game between the teams.

Barkley returned to practice for the first time two weeks ago, and has been eased back into some individual drills, but has yet to take part in any drill against a defense.

Given that immediately following the NY Giants’ game against the Browns New York will take part in joint practices with the New England Patriots ahead of the preseason finale, it would appear unlikely that Barkley takes the field for any action of any significance before Week 1 of the regular season against the Denver Broncos.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t sound like Barkley will be doing much more than individual drills over at least this week, and it remains to be seen what his workload will be against the Patriots.

It is probably best for all parties involved for Barkley not to return until he is fully-healthy, and playing him in the preseason would seemingly be an unnecessary risk, given his importance to the NY Giants and contractual uncertainty beyond his fifth-year option being picked up this offseason.

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