New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley is happy his NFC East rival Ezekiel Elliott will play this Sunday.
This week, New York Giants fans received the news they sure hoped not to hear…at least not until after Week 1. The Dallas Cowboys had finalized a deal with their star running back Ezekiel Elliott.
Zeke signed a six-year, $90 million extension that will keep him in Dallas through the 2026 season. He had previously held out all of training camp and preseason.
With the Giants traveling to Dallas to take on the Cowboys this Sunday, Big Blue running back Saquon Barkley was asked about Zeke’s deal and his return to the Cowboys organization. Ultimately, Saquon is happy that Zeke will be on the field this weekend, per Dan Salomone of the Giants official website.
As a competitor, Saquon is happy Zeke will play Sunday. “Not only do I play the position but I’m a fan of the position.”
— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) September 5, 2019
The Giants defense most likely has been preparing for the toughest challenge possible—in other words, Zeke playing. The All-Pro back will be entering his fourth season, now the highest-paid running back in the NFL.
Through 15 games last year (he sat the regular-season finale to rest for the playoffs), Elliott rushed for 1,434 yards and six touchdowns. He additionally caught 77 balls on 95 targets for 567 yards and three touchdowns through the air. His 2,001 yards from scrimmage were second in the league behind Barkley, who finished with 2,028.
Barkley had 1,307 yards on the ground with 11 touchdowns along with 91 catches for 721 yards and four touchdowns through the air. His efforts led to a sensational awards season at the conclusion of the year. The then-rookie won the Pepsi Rookie of the Year and the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The Giants and Cowboys will kick off this Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
