In what could certainly be a signal that Saquon Barkley is going to be ready to hit the field sooner rather than later, the Giants on Tuesday released running back Corey Clement, who led the team in rushing in the preseason.

By parting ways with Clement, a 26-year old with NFL pedigree, and keeping rookie Gary Brightwell on the roster, the Giants are going with youth over experience.

That bodes well for Barkley’s return. 

His primary backup is Devontae Booker, and it is expected that Booker will have to carry a significant load early in the season until Barkley is ready for a full-time role. 

Barkley, coming back from reconstructive knee surgery, did not play in any of the three preseason games. 

His workload will increase this week in practice, as coach Joe Judge has said he needs to see Barkley take some hits before he will feel good about putting him in a game.

Clement ran for 3,092 yards at Wisconsin. He totaled 163 rushing attempts, 655 yards and seven touchdowns in 46 games (no starts) with the Eagles the past four years.

He led the Giants in carries (18) and yards (86) in the preseason, but also lost a fumble near the goal line in the preseason opener against the Jets.

Brightwell, a sixth round draft pick from Arizona, caught three passes for 20 yards in the preseason finale against the Patriots, ran the ball four times for 10 yards and is an active participant on special teams.

In addition to Barkley, Booker and Brightwell, the Giants also have fullback Eli Penny, who was impressive this summer when given the chance to carry the ball in the preseason.

The Giants also released Brian Lewerke, meaning they are expected to go with only two quarterbacks – Daniel Jones and Mike Glennon – on the roster.  All teams must cut down from 80 players to the league mandated 53 by 4 p.m. Tuesday.  Lewerke could be a candidate for the practice squad, as could several other players the Giants will either cut, waive or release.

The early round of Giants cuts also included G Chad Slade, LB Niko Lalos, CB Madre Harper, TE Nakia Griffin-Stewart, WR Matt Cole, WR David Sills and WR Damion Willis.