Most fans expected that the New York Giants would likely be without star running back Saquon Barkley for the next two to three games after he suffered a sprained ankle in Week 2. But according to Giants head coach Brian Daboll, that may not be the case.
The Giants have a short turnaround for Week 3, as they prepare for a Thursday Night Football matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Considering Barkley’s diagnosis, nearly every fan thought it was in all likelihood impossible for Barkley to return to play on Thursday night. However, Daboll told reporters on Tuesday that this possibility is not off the table.
“I wouldn’t count him out, not just yet,” said Daboll on Barkley potentially playing on Thursday night. “I am not ruling him out yet. He’s a quick healer. I’m not saying he’s in, he’s out. We’re gonna take it all the way up with him to Thursday. He feels a lot better today. I just talked to him, so we’ll see where we’re at.”
Brian Daboll says that he's not ready to rule out Saquon Barkley for Thursday and that Saquon feels a lot better today: pic.twitter.com/ywRJMr7TVX
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) September 19, 2023
This could certainly be a bit of gamesmanship from Daboll to throw the 49ers off ahead of their matchup. But it sounds like there is at least still a chance he does play, which is pretty unbelievable given the circumstances.
Even if Barkley is a quick healer compared to other players, taking the field just four days after an ankle sprain would certainly be miraculous.
If Barkley doesn’t end up suiting up, we could see veteran running back Matt Breida get the first crack at starting in the backfield for the Giants.
