After tweaking his left hamstring in Monday’s practice, Saquon Barkley was just a spectator in the joint practice the New York Giants had with the Detroit Lions on Tuesday.
The New York Giants had their first joint practice with the Detroit Lions on Tuesday. The two teams will practice again on Wednesday and Thursday before facing off in their second preseason game on Friday.
One player that did not participate in 11-on-11 drills was rookie running back Saquon Barkley. He did, however, do some drills with the trainers on the side.
Barkley strained his left hamstring in Monday’s practice after catching a deep pass down the left sideline thrown by Davis Webb. Barkley beat Janoris Jenkins on the play but after racing down the left sideline, Barkley pulled up. Shortly thereafter his left hamstring was wrapped up.
Saquon Barkley at practice in Detroit but not in pads. He's standing around watching as the Giants run some plays. pic.twitter.com/HKhwaxaO0e
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 14, 2018
On Tuesday, head coach Pat Shurmur gave an update on Barkley’s status.
“Yeah, the same as yesterday. He just tweaked his hamstring. (It’s) day-to-day, we’ll just see where he’s at, but really nothing to add from yesterday. Nothing serious, I think. Just day to day.”
When asked if Barkley would play on Friday, Shurmur gave the following answer.
“I think it’s day-to-day. Certainly, player safety is right on the front burner for all of us all the time, so if he’s able to go, he’ll play; if he’s not, then he won’t be out there.”
Shurmur was cautious when it came to Odell Beckham Jr. and Landon Collins as they came back from season-ending injuries last season, and he needs to do the same with Barkley.
There’s no need to rush back Barkley and have him play in a meaningless preseason game on Friday against the Lions. It’s simply not worth the risk.
If Barkley is able to practice next week without limitations, the Giants can let him play a few snaps in next week’s preseason game against the Jets on August 24, which is essentially a dress rehearsal for the regular season.
If the Giants play Barkley on Friday and he re-aggravates his hamstring, then the Giants would be putting his status for the season opener at risk.
