Giants' Barkley activated off PUP list, begins practicing
Saquon Barkley has been activated off the physically unable to perform list and practiced with the New York Giants on Monday, the team announced.
It was the first time Barkley suited up since suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2020.
So good to see @saquon 😍 pic.twitter.com/IvGMEHzxcr
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) August 9, 2021
Barkley tore his ACL and also sustained meniscus damage last September. The Giants have taken a cautious approach with his rehab this offseason.
The 24-year-old spent time working on a side field while on the PUP list earlier in camp, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. Head coach Joe Judge has been adamant that the club won't rush the Pro Bowler back.
Barkley's return to practice doesn't change his Week 1 status, which remains up in the air, according to Judge.
"There’s nothing different now than what I’ve talked about the entire time," Judge said. "We’re going to be patient with him, we’re going to watch how he responds to each situation, and when the doctor says he’s green-lighted to go out there and do something, he will."
The second overall pick in 2018 rushed for 1,307 yards during his first campaign and followed that with another 1,000-plus-yard season in 2019. His 2020 season was limited to just two games due to the injury.
The Giants open their season on Sept. 12 against the Denver Broncos.