New York Giants coach Brian Daboll has not ruled out the possibility of Saquon Barkley playing, despite the ankle injury the star running back sustained during Sunday's 31-28 victory against the Arizona Cardinals. The Giants are set to face the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night.
When a reporter suggested that Barkley might miss some games due to the injury, Daboll interrupted and stated, "I wouldn't count on that just yet."
Pressed on whether Barkley would at least sit out Thursday's game, Daboll refrained from confirming his absence, saying, "I'm not saying he's out yet. He's a quick healer. I'm not saying he's in or out. We'll make that determination closer to Thursday."
Daboll mentioned that Barkley was feeling significantly better on Tuesday, and the final decision would be made on Thursday. The Giants held only walk-throughs in Arizona on Monday and Tuesday and are scheduled to travel to California on Wednesday.
However, it remains likely that Barkley will miss some games due to the injury. A source informed ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday that Barkley was expected to be sidelined for three weeks.
While Daboll acknowledged that Barkley is making "considerable progress" and is known as a fast healer, it would be in the player's and team's best interest not to rush his return. In previous instances when Barkley returned from ankle injuries in 2019 and 2021, he struggled initially and took several weeks to regain his form.
In the first four games back from the ankle injury in 2019, Barkley averaged just 41.25 yards per game. In the first four games back from the ankle injury in 2021, he averaged just 46.0 yards per game and later admitted that he wasn't performing at his best.
The Giants have three options at running back in the absence of Barkley: Matt Breida, Gary Brightwell, and Eric Gray. Breida is expected to have the largest role, as Daboll mentioned their familiarity from their time together in Buffalo, and Breida is considered reliable in pass protection, likely earning him a share of passing down snaps.
Brightwell is also expected to receive carries, while Gray may see sporadic usage as both a runner and pass-catcher. However, Gray had difficulties with pass blocking during the summer.
Daboll expressed confidence in all three running backs, emphasizing that the team is comfortable with their abilities in both running and passing situations.