Nursing a neck injury, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley carried the ball only nine times in Sunday’s 48-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. However, after the game, he provided a promising update to reporters.
Barkley said, despite his usage, that his injury isn’t any worse following the loss, adding that there’s “No doubt” he’ll be ready to play next Sunday against the Washington Commanders in another big NFC East matchup.
Barkley still led the Giants in carries against the Eagles. However, that isn’t saying much since the Giants played from behind most of the game.
New York ran the ball only 23 times, with six attempts coming from quarterbacks Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor.
Popping up on the Giants’ injury report this week after suffering a stinger Wednesday in practice, Barkley told reporters he felt “pretty good” physically after rushing for only 28 yards and catching two passes for 20 yards.
Since his backfield mates also struggled against Philly’s defense, it isn’t clear whether or not the Giants decreased Barkley’s workload out of caution or the stinger truly limited him on Sunday.
Gary Brightwell and Matt Breida carried the ball eight times, rushing for only 29 yards combined.
Meanwhile, after replacing Jones late, Taylor, the Giants’ backup QB, tallied 40 yards in mop-up duty to lead the team in rushing.
