We have a Saquon Barkley sighting.
Actually, far more than a sighting. Meaning? It is probably wise to take the “under’’ when estimating when the star Giants running back will be able to return.
Barkley is dealing with a high ankle sprain and initially was expected to be out six to eight weeks. He was injured in the second quarter of the Sept. 22 victory in Tampa. It looks as if he is ahead of schedule, based on the way he looked on Wednesday.
“He’s out there moving around,’’ coach Pat Shurmur said.
The sight of Barkley in uniform (OK, no shoulder pads) jogging and doing some fairly aggressive straight-line cuts on the side — only 10 days after getting hurt — was enough to lift the Giants’ spirits. Clearly, he is on the mend.
If you look closely you can see Saquon Barkley doing some jogging. On the mend from high ankle sprain. pic.twitter.com/QgyoR5lFOS
— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) October 2, 2019
“I don’t know how — that’s just crazy,’’ tight end Evan Engram said. “I think his body is just made in a lab, I don’t know. I’m happy, though, it was good to see. I’m glad everything is coming along recovery-wise, and now it’s just being smart with it and not trying to rush anything.’’
It remains to be seen how Barkley’s right ankle responds to this activity.
The Giants have two games in a five-day span — Sunday against the Vikings and the following Thursday at New England — and consider it virtually impossible Barkley will be able to play in either of them. Thus, the first realistic target date for Barkley is the Oct. 20 game against the Cardinals. That would be one month since the injury and an aggressive return date.
Shurmur did not rule Barkley out for this weekend — do not read anything into that — but sounded buoyed by what he is seeing.
“Some people’s doctors had him out six to eight weeks,’’ Shurmur said. “Not my doctors.’’
Another positive sight on the field: CB Sam Beal (hamstring) was sprinting on the sideline. He is on injured reserve and eligible to return to practice after Week 6. … LB Alec Ogletree (hamstring) did not practice, raising serious doubt about his ability to play Sunday vs. the Vikings. … LB Tae Davis (concussion protocol) wore a yellow non-contact jersey. … G Kevin Zeitler was given the day off as he continues to deal with a shoulder issue.
