New York Giants prized rookie running back Saquon Barkley recently dealt with a hamstring issue that hampered his preparation for his first season in the NFL, but that’s now behind him.
According to Matt Lombardo of NJ.com, Barkley has resumed engaging as a full participant in practice.
Rookie running back Saquon Barkley returned to practice in a limited capacity last Wednesday for the first time since tweaking his hamstring on Aug. 13, but on Sunday was a full participant for the first time during that stretch.
With the Giants playing it safe with their running back and without an urgent reason to risk aggravating the former Penn State Nittany Lion’s injury, they decided to shelve Barkley in its last two preseason games. He’s not also expected to suit up for New York’s final preseason game next week at home against the New England Patriots.
Saquon Barkley had already made his debut for the Giants on Aug. 9 during the team’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns at home in which the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft rushed for 43 yards on four carries.
Barkley is slated to serve a big role on the Giants’ offense that finished 26th in the NFL last season with just 96.8 rushing yards per game. Together with quarterback Eli Manning and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., Barkley forms a new Big Three in the league while adding much-needed dynamism to New York’s ground game.
Barkley has ample time to prepare for the Giants’ season opener, which will take place on Sep. 9 at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars.