New York Giants rookie running back Saquon Barkley doesn’t expect a reduced workload during the final two games of the season.
Playoffs or no playoffs, it will still be the same for the New York Giants‘ 2018 first-round draft pick.
On Wednesday, Giants rookie running back Saquon Barkley spoke to the media regarding his workload down the stretch. With Big Blue now eliminated from postseason contention after a 17-0 loss to the Titans last Sunday, many believed Saquon would have it easy the final two games.
This, if it were to happen, would be in hopes to keep him healthy for the future.
However, the rookie sensation doesn’t look at it that way, nor does he want it that way either.
“I hope my workload is whatever it is to help the team win,” Barkley said, per Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. “Obviously I would never want my workload to decrease. I know people probably think that because we’re technically eliminated from the playoffs that what are we playing for, but I don’t see it that way at all.”
Drafted second overall out of Penn State in the 2018 NFL Draft, Barkley hasn’t disappointed fans one bit. He’s third in the NFL in rushing with 1155 yards, behind only Ezekiel Elliot (1349 yards) and Todd Gurley (1251 yards). Barkley also was the third most-voted player in the Pro Bowl fan vote and the number one most-voted running back.
Barkley officially received Pro Bowl honors on Tuesday, and he doesn’t plan on stopping there.
“You got to go out there and you got to continue to fight, obviously for yourself and the competitive nature that you have, and your teammates,” Barkley said. “I would love my workload to be whatever it can be to help the team win. If that’s 10 carries or if that’s 40 touches.”
Although it’s nice to see Barkley not quitting, many worry about the risk to injury it would bring to him. However, Giants head coach Pat Shurmur seems very optimistic about the situation.
“He’s a very physical guy, in very good shape, he’s obviously super talented,” the first-year Giants coach said. “We’re just keeping track and monitoring him and encouraging him to do all the things necessary so he can get ready to go. And he’s done a good job with that.”
