The New York Giants would like running back Saquon Barkley (knee) to return to the field as soon as possible, but wanting something and having it happen are two different things.
Although Barkley says he feels good 10 months removed from a torn ACL (and nine months from surgery), the Giants have decided to err on the side of caution, placing the 24-year-old on the Active/PUP list to start training camp. And at least for right now, there’s no telling when he might come off of said list.
“We’ve got to look at the long-term picture with Saquon,” Giants head coach Joe Judge told SNY. “We’ve got to make the right decision for the team long term. That could include long term throughout this season, long-term throughout a career.
“So I always want to do what’s best for the player in a situation like this, to make sure we don’t put him in a position that’s going to put him at risk because he isn’t ready.”
Even when Barkley does step back onto the field, the Giants do not intend to throw him to the wolves. He will be heavily monitored and eased back into the swing of things.
“When the doctors say it’s time to incorporate him into practice with the rest of the team we’ll get him going,” Judge said. “Look, we’re not going to go and throw him zero to 100 right away. We’ll build him up and let him gain confidence and gain experience and reps. And when it’s time to go an introduce him against opponents, we will.”
This approach will likely mean Barkley misses the majority of training camp and potentially even a Week 1 game against the Denver Broncos. But that’s a bridge the Giants will cross when they get to it. For now, it’s all about protecting the player and doing what’s best for the team…long-term.
“Whenever he comes back we’re going to make sure he’s ready to go and that he can physically perform the way he can,” Judge said. “Obviously he’s a very talented player. We missed having him last year. To be honest with you, we’re anxious to get him back out there. He’s really put in a ton of work. He’s demonstrated a lot of commitment this offseason. You can really see his passion and commitment to the game. Look, he’s excited. We’re all excited for him.
“But that time will come soon enough. We just want to make sure we put him out there when it’s right for him and right for the team.”
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