NY Giants 53-man roster projection after loss to Browns

Running backs (4)

Saquon Barkley, Devontae Booker, Corey Clement, Eli Penny

It’s now appearing more likely that Saquon Barkley won’t return to action until the regular season opener against the Denver Broncos, at the earliest, after being held out of joint practices with the Browns and joint practices with the New England Patriots upcoming.

With Barkley out, the competition for the role as his primary backup is intensifying.

Sunday against the Browns, Booker took a major step towards winning this job. Booker burst out of the gate in the first half, rushing for 27 yards and a touchdown, adding two catches for 13 yards.

Meanwhile, rookie running back Gary Brightwell has been a nonreactor through training camp and the early portion of the preseason.