The Giants pulled off a miracle comeback in their 31-28 win over the Cardinals, but it came at a great cost.
Saquon Barkley was hurt as the team tried to position itself for the game-winning field goal attempt.
Barkley took the ball from Daniel Jones on second down and tried to run up the middle of the field. The Cardinals immediately swarmed him and were able to bring him down in the backfield before calling a timeout.
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Barkley bent awkwardly during the tackle, as his leg got pinned under the tackler. He tried to hop off the field on his own but he was unable to do it, eventually requiring assistance to get to the sideline.
Saquon Barkley was slow to get up and had to be helped off of the field after his latest carry. pic.twitter.com/6Td11ApcTH
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 17, 2023
The Giants were able to kick the game-winning field goal just a couple of plays later, so Barkley understandably did not return to the contest. He finished the game with 92 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns.
But now, the focus will be on his availability moving forward, especially as the Giants prepare for a “Thursday Night Football” matchup with the 49ers.
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Saquon Barkley injury updates
The Giants didn’t immediately provide an update about Barkley’s status in wake of their win over Arizona. This was hardly a surprise considering that the running back’s injury occurred late in the contest.
However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the running back had his ankle taped but was walking with a clear limp. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reported that Barkley had an X-ray after the contest and that his ankle was “a bit swollen.”
Saquon Barkley had an x-ray on his right ankle after the game. He limped around the locker room and it was a bit swollen. Clearly he had some pain and discomfort.
This is definitely a concern for the Giants and Barkley moving forward, especially with a short turnaround this week…
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) September 18, 2023
That said, Schefter and Raanan reported late Sunday that there is optimism Barkley’s injury is “an ordinary (sprain) rather than a high-ankle sprain.” He will have an MRI to determine if that’s the case on Monday.
Giants’ RB Saquon Barkley is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his right ankle Monday in Arizona to determine the severity of his injury and how much time he could miss, sources tell @JordanRaanan and me. Barkley’s ankle was swollen after the game but the inital thinking, in the…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 18, 2023
The Giants are playing on a short week, so if Barkley is dealing with any sort of sprain, however minor, it may be hard for him to suit up in Week 3. If that’s the case, the Giants will have to rely on veteran Matt Breida and recent draft picks Gary Brightwell and Eric Gray to carry the load.
Daniel Jones will also see an increased role as a runner if Barkley is out of action. He was the team’s second-leading rusher against the Cardinals, totaling 59 yards and a touchdown on nine carries in that contest.
So, if Barkley can’t play, the Giants will embrace a true committee approach.
This article will be updated as more information is available.
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