Giants RB Saquon Barkley ruled out for matchup with Raiders
The New York Giants have stumbled through the 2021 season. They hold a 2-6 record and sit well out of the playoff picture.
Over the last several days, things have taken a rough turn. The Giants have experienced issues related to COVID-19 regarding false-positive tests. Star running back Saquon Barkley is amid those issues as a false-positive result and was cleared to return to the team facilities on Friday.
Despite the turn of events, the Giants are not expecting former Pro Bowler to play in Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
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“A guy who’s been out for several weeks like that, yeah, we’d like to see him on the field and making sure we can assure how he’s moving and get out there and do it safely and stay on the field,” coach Joe Judge said before practice via ESPN.
It’s been a difficult 2021 campaign for Barkley as he’s struggled with injuries and inconsistent performance. In five games played this season, he’s recorded 195 rushing yards on 54 carries with two touchdowns.
Barkley has failed to register north of 60 rushing yards, with three performances with at least 50 yards. Meanwhile, he’s missed three games due to an ankle injury. He last played against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 10.
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If he’s unable to give it a go for Sunday’s contests, the Giants will turn to Devontae Booker to fill up the spot start duties. He’s posted at least 40 rushing yards in the last four straight games with three total touchdowns over that span.
