Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley (ankle) logged a full practice on Wednesday. He appears to be trending towards playing on Sunday as the Giants take on the Cardinals. The initial return to action for Barkley was projected to be 4-6 weeks.

Fantasy Impact

Talk about perfect timing for Saquon coming back the week the Giants take on a terrible Cardinals defense. Since Week 5, Arizona has given up 360 total yards and two touchdowns to opposing running backs. Start Barkley as long as there are no reported setbacks.

Saquon Barkley was able to take part in individual drills on Monday and has a "chance" to play this weekend, according to Ralph Vacchiano.

Fantasy Impact

If Barkley is able to return, he'll beat his initial timeframe by a few weeks, which is great news for owners IF he is truly recovered and can avoid reinjury. While the Giants are only a game back in terms of record in the division, there should be no reason to rush Barkley back, so hopefully this is an indication that he has simply beat the initial timeline. If he's able to return this weekend, he'll be considered a top-five play at the position based on our expert consensus in an excellent matchup against the Cardinals.

Giants running back Saquon Barkley has been ruled out for the team's Week 6 matchup against the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football as he continues to recover from a high ankle sprain, the team announced Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact

Barkley is showing remarkable improvement in his recovery from a high ankle sprain, but the team is opting to be cautious with the young running back. It's possible, if not likely, that Barkley returns for the team's Week 7 matchup against the Cardinals at home. With Wayne Gallman also sidelined with a concussion, running backs Jon Hilliman and Elijhaa Penny should both see time in the New York backfield.

Giants running back is unlikely to play Thursday night against the Patriots, according to a report from Jordan Raanan. Barkley suffered a high ankle sprain 16 days ago but has already returned to practice.

Fantasy Impact

Videos emerged late last week of Barkley running and cutting in practice just two weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain, an injury that typically sidelines athletes for up to two months. And while he has already shown incredible progress in a short period of time, the team is likely to be cautious with the young running back. It sounds like he is going to sit out Thursday's Week 6 matchup against the Patriots but could return for Week 7 against the Cardinals. With Wayne Gallman suffering a concussion on Sunday, Jon Hilliman and Elijhaa Penny are expected to split time in the New York backfield on Thursday night.

Saquon Barkley (ankle) is getting much closer to returning and there's a "possibility" he could return for Thursday's Week 6 contest against the Patriots, said Giants Head Coach Pat Shurmur.

Fantasy Impact

This is great news for Barkley owners, as he has apparently been targeting Thursday's game for his return from a high right ankle sprain. He was a limited participant in Friday's practice and could be a game-time decision for Thursday's Week 6 matchup against the Patriots. Monitor his status as Week 6 draws closer, inactives for Thursday's game will be announced 90 minutes before kickoff.