The New York Giants have indicated that they would like to light running back Saquon Barkley's workload moving forward in an attempt to keep him as healthy as possible. Regardless, Barkley is adamant that the concern is unnecessary.
Barkley has already established himself as the most exciting, young running back in the NFL. via the team's official website, he feels there should be no restrictions on the number of touches he is slated to receive.
“I don’t think any number is too high for me personally,” Barkley said. “At the end of the day, I know I sound like a broken record, but you will hear this for as long as I am in the NFL, as long as I take care of my body, my body will take care of me. I will continue to have my team around me. Obviously, have a great strength staff here and a great training staff here. Have to be a pro outside the facility. Whether it is 350 touches, 400 touches or less touches next year. Whatever I have to do to have this team compete for a championship, I am going to do.”
It is encouraging to see that Barkley has embraced the prospect of his touches being fluid with the game plan. At this point, it is safe to say that he is more concerned with doing whatever he can to make the Giants competitive again. While putting the ball in his hands as much as possible is a solid start, it is clear that the team is concerned about his long-term health.
Although New York caught plenty of flak for drafting a running back with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL season, they have since been vindicated by the heroics of Barkley. He followed through on all the hype by proving to be the kind of bonafide workhorse the Giants had hoped for. It is for that reason they will look to have him avoid any unnecessary wear and tear on his body.
