Report: Barkley has 'strong chance' to play in Week 1

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley "has a strong chance" to play in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 12, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

While the Giants reportedly won't decide on Barkley's status until next week, the team is optimistic he will be able to suit up.

The 24-year-old suffered a torn ACL and damage to his meniscus in Week 2 of last season and didn't appear in the preseason.

New York has insisted it won't rush Barkley's return, with head coach Joe Judge saying in late July that he's "thinking long term" with his star tailback.

If Barkley is unable to play in the opener, the Giants will turn to Devontae Booker as their starter. Booker rushed for 423 yards and three touchdowns with the Las Vegas Raiders last campaign.

Barkley burst onto the NFL scene with a 1,307-yard season after being taken with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft. He had another 1,000-yard campaign in 2019.