The New York Giants were dealt a crucial blow with the ankle injury to running back Saquon Barkley in Week 3 of the 2019 NFL season. Barkley was initially expected to be out anywhere from 4-8 weeks while dealing with a high ankle sprain.
Given the severity of the injury, many assumed the timetable for recovery could take even longer. According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, Barkley is reportedly seeking out a second opinion:
Saquon Barkley underwent testing and was examined Monday by team consultant Dr. Martin O’Malley, ankle specialist at Hospital for Special Surgery … Barkley is scheduled to see specialist Dr. Robert Anderson on Wednesday for an additional opinion.
The decision to get a second opinion is hardly unprecedented. Barkley had become the most integral member of their offense since his arrival as the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft so it should come as no surprise that the Giants are doing their due diligence.
The coaching staff still has yet to determine a potential timetable for Barkley’s return. As a result, it is safe to assume he will miss a solid chunk o the season regardless of any further diagnosis. The Giants have since expressed plenty of confidence in running back Wayne Gallman’s ability to serve as a viable replacement in his absence.
With Barkley out, the offense now seemingly rests squarely on the shoulders of quarterback Daniel Jones.
He showed plenty of promise in his first career start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will now be tasked with carrying this team through the rest of the season with a depleted supporting cast.
