Saquon Barkley

Jordan Raanan of ESPN reports that the Giants plan to take a “long term” approach with Saquon Barkley, though there is still a chance he’s ready for Week 1.

Fantasy Impact

“Long term” approach is not what anyone wants to hear with redraft draft season underway. “Chance he’s ready for Week 1” comes in a close second. With this information, fantasy managers have to accept he may not be available immediately. The talent is undeniable, but it makes sense for the Giants to err on the side of caution. He is the face of their franchise. When healthy, Barkley is one of the most explosive backs in the league. We will continue to monitor his status throughout camp.

The New York Giants have placed RB Saquon Barkley on the PUP list to start training camp as he recovers from tearing his ACL in Week 2 of last season, per Mike Garofolo of NFL Network.

Fantasy Impact

Earlier this week, Barkley said that his knee "feels pretty good" but was unsure if he would be able to practice at the start of camp. There's no reason to rush him back early, so it makes sense for the Giants to err on the side of caution. When healthy, Barkley is one of the most explosive home run hitters at the RB position. He's currently being drafted 5th overall in redraft leagues. Fantasy managers should monitor his availability throughout training camp to gain a better understanding of his value.

Saquon Barkley hosted his youth football camp Monday. When asked about his knee, Barkley said it "feels pretty good," but added "I don't know" when asked if he'll be ready to practice next Wednesday for the start of training camp.

Fantasy Impact

Barkley tore his ACL Week 2 of last season. When the RB returns to practice will be a situation to monitor. Barkley added, "I guess that's the theme of the summer, going to be when I'll be back. But no, I don't have that answer, to be honest. I'm not trying to lead it up to it or something like that or put something up. I don't have the answer. It's a fun process, but it's a tough process at the same time. Just have to continue to listen to my body, listen to my trainers, listen to the coaches and take it day by day." We'll have more on Barkley as news develops.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley (knee) wouldn't put a timetable on his return from ACL reconstruction surgery when asked by Rich Eisen on The Rich Eisen Show.

Fantasy Impact

Barkley dodged Eisen's first question asking if he would have to start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as he recovers from a torn ACL he suffered at the beginning of the 2020 NFL Season. Barkley reiterated to Eisen that he was just taking it day by day and listening to the coaches and his body to tell him when he's ready for game action. Reports surfaced earlier this off-season that Barkley's reps could be limited early in the season, and it's seeming more and more like that will be the case at least for the first couple weeks. After Wayne Gallman headed to the 49ers in Free Agency, the Giants brought in Devontae Booker and Corey Clement as backfield reinforcements should Barkley not be given a full workload to begin the season. Back in April, Giants GM Dave Gettleman called Booker a "legitimate three-down back" after giving him a two-year, $6M deal. Don't be suprised to see him get a nice workload alongside (or in lieu of) Barkley in the first couple games of the season.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley (knee) is at the team's facility and continues to progress in his rehab following last year's torn ACL, but he won't participate in OTAs.

Fantasy Impact

It isn't a surprise (at all) that Barkley won't be practicing this week. The good news is that he's doing well in his recovery, and the plan remains for him to be ready for the start of the season. Fantasy managers should probably temper expectations early on, which might mean passing on him at No. 2 or 3 overall in drafts this summer. Of course, Barkley has the talent and freakish athleticism to return to high-end fantasy production sooner rather than later, so he remains a top-five player in all 1QB formats.