Giants' Saquon Barkley Activated Off PUP List amid Injury Rehab
August 9, 2021
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley was activated off the physically unable to perform list and returned to practice Monday.
Barkley has been out of action since tearing his ACL in Week 2 of last season.
After practice, Barkley discussed the possibility that he may be available for the team's Week 1 opener against the Denver Broncos.
"I guess you can say, with my mindset, I'm definitely hopeful," Barkley told reporters. "It's definitely better being able to practice now than later on in camp."
Paul Schwartz of the New York Post said the team will use the next five weeks to determine whether Barkley will be in the lineup for Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. A previous report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network indicated he could be out until Week 3.
"I'm feeling good," Barkley said in July. "I'm doing good, taking it day by day, trying to get 1 percent better every single day. I'm enjoying my time. Obviously, camp is approaching soon, so I'm enjoying time with my family and still trying to get the work in that I can before things ramp up."
Barkley's return is expected to play a major role in the Giants' expected offensive improvement this season.
Devontae Booker will get the majority of the work until Barkley is cleared to return to game action.