Giants' Saquon Barkley Doesn't Agree with Load Management: 'It Won't Happen'

New York Giants star Saquon Barkley dispelled the notion he could sit out the remainder of what is a lost season for his team.

"The mindset of sitting me out and resting me for the rest of the season is beyond me," Barkley said Tuesday, per ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "I do not agree with it. It won't happen."

At 2-8, New York is out of the playoff race and has little to play for.

The idea of shutting Barkley down started gaining traction following the team's 34-27 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday. He carried the ball 13 times and gained only one yard while catching five passes for 30 yards.

Head coach Pat Shurmur told reporters Barkley was "banged up," and Raanan reported Tuesday the 22-year-old underwent an X-ray Sunday on his shoulder. The 2018 Pro Bowler missed three games with a high ankle sprain earlier in the season.

On Monday, NJ Advance Media's Matt Lombardo wondered whether Barkley's ankle remained a problem:

"The explosiveness, elusiveness and dramatic stop, start and cutback ability that makes Barkley a threat to score whenever he touches the football has been replaced by hesitancy.

"There's a chance that a week away from football during the bye week will give Barkley time to recuperate. That is, unless his right ankle is more injured than anyone is letting on."

Lombardo concluded the Giants' best move would be to sit Barkley to preserve his health.

No one should expect the former Penn State star to volunteer to rest while his teammates finish the season, but running back is one of the most unforgiving positions on the field.

Minimizing Barkley's injury risk would make a lot of sense, especially as New York is looking toward the bigger picture after having replaced quarterback Eli Manning with rookie Daniel Jones.