New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley says his knee “feels pretty good” but he still can’t provide a timetable on his return. That means he’s unsure if he’ll practice throughout training camp or even play in a Week 1 game against the Denver Broncos.
“I don’t know,” Barkley told reporters at his youth football camp at West Essex High School on Monday morning when asked if he’ll play in the season opener. “I guess we’ll see.
“I’ve kind of got to play it by ear. When it comes to rehab, rehab is never a straight line, so just . . . listen to your body, listen to your knee, and whatever your body is telling you, go with that.”
Barkley has remained coy on his potential return for several months now, often providing the same answer(s) when asked about his recovery and when he’ll step back onto the field.
“I’ve been asked a lot,” Barkley said. “I guess that’s the theme of this summer, when I’m going to be back, but no, I don’t have an answer, to be honest. I’m not trying to lead up to it or build something up. I don’t have an answer.
“It’s a fun process but it’s a tough process at the same time, so I have to continue to listen to my body, listen to my trainers and coaches and just take it day by day.”
The good news is that Barkley looked comfortable enough to run around at his camp on Monday. And while he didn’t break out into a full sprint or make any cuts, he didn’t appear to be hampered in any way.
Now @saquon is playing DB … and seems to be moving just fine. pic.twitter.com/foRKzChUSL
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) July 19, 2021
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When you mess up, you do push-ups. Even when it’s Saquon Barkley and it’s your camp. #Giants #nyg pic.twitter.com/p3Vc5ugmZc
— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) July 19, 2021
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Meanwhile, Barkley says his expectations for the 2021 season are to remain a team leader and then give it 110% when he’s finally given the green light to play.
“My expectations for myself this summer is come out, continue to be a leader, continue to be supportive, whatever I’m able to do, whatever I’m told to do, go at it 110% and eventually get back to playing the sport I love,” he said. “Like I’ve said before, I’m very blessed and fortunate to have a great team and great staff who’s going to listen to me and we’re going to take it day by day.
“I’m just taking it day by day and listening to my body, and whenever I’m able to get out there, make sure I’m 110%. Not just for the safety and health of myself, my well-being, but also so I can go out and compete at a high level and show the world who Saquon is.”
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