Saquon Barkley Takes Big Step Forward From Torn ACL, Back in Rushing Title Conversation
By Peter Dewey
Saquon Barkley is back.
The New York Giants star running back will be activated from the physically unable to perform list; a major step in his recovery from a torn ACL he suffered against the Chicago Bears early in the 2020 season.
The Giants, and Barkley, have been very discreet about his timetable to return, but it appears he has a legitimate shot of returning Week 1 against the Denver Broncos.
WynnBET currently has Barkley in a three-way tie with Aaron Jones and Ezekiel Elliott for sixth on the odds list to lead the NFL in rushing yards this season at +1500. Barkley ran for over 1,000 yards in his first two seasons in the NFL, but he was limited to just 34 yards on 19 carries over two games last season.
The Giants’ offensive line will have to do a better job of opening up lanes for Barkley to run through in 2021, but he certainly is on the map to lead the league in rushing. I had previously written that it was too soon to trust Barkley because of the concerns around his timetable for return.
Bettors can take a positive outlook on the fact that the Giants have been careful not to rush Barkley back and hope that he can hold up for a full season. That may mean less carries early in the season, but it should allow him to breakout and finish strong if the offensive line and offense are running smoothly.
He's back.
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) August 9, 2021
League source confirms @NYPost_Schwartz report that Saquon Barkley is expected to be activated off PUP this week. Major development for the #Giants: https://t.co/M4jw5llrNf
A lot of that on offense will be up to Daniel Jones, as the third-year quarterback needs to take the next step for the Giants to truly make themselves a contender this season.
WynnBET has the Giants projected to win 7.5 games in 2021 with the over (+115) favored to the under (-135). In our team preview for the Giants’ 2021 season, I took the Giants to finish with less than seven wins.
I still think they’re going to be on the lower end of that total, and at +325 odds to win the NFC East, they’d be a major dark horse this season. However, it’s possible a healthy Barkley is all the Giants need to make a charge in the NFC.
Does Saquon Barkley change the Giants' outlook this season?
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