Giants Rumors: Injured Saquon Barkley Likely Out vs. Patriots Despite Recovery

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is reportedly unlikely to play in Thursday's game against the New England Patriots despite making progress with his injured right ankle.

Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported it's still "too early" for him to receive clearance from doctors.

However, Barkley pushed back on the notion that he has already been ruled out. 

"Every day I continue to feel better," he said, according to the team's official Twitter account. "I'm taking it day by day. ... I do not know if I'm playing Thursday yet. No decision has been made."

Barkley, 22, missed the last two games after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 3's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

While there was initially a six- to eight-week timetable given for his absence, Barkley maintained he expected to be back sooner.

Last week, Barkley told NFL Network's Kimberly Jones:

"How can anyone tell me how long I'm supposed to be out? Maybe because of my competitive nature. How are you going to tell me [that]? No one was in the doctor's office [with me]; no one has seen my ankle. Everyone's different.

"I think an important thing that Dr. [Robert] Anderson and Dr. [Martin] O'Malley said was, 'You treat the patient, not the injury.' When I heard that, I just took it to heart. ... Everyone's putting these messages out there, and no one heard from my mouth that I'm out six to eight weeks. That made no sense at all."

Barkley returned to Giants practice last week, but it appears the short turnaround between games will keep him off the field for another outing. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year rushed for over 100 yards in each of the Giants' first two games before leaving early against Tampa.

Wayne Gallman started the last two weeks in Barkley's place but suffered a concussion early in Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Jonathan Hilliman received the most work in Gallman's absence and should start if Gallman does not clear protocol.

Elijhaa Penny may also see more extended playing time.