Saquon Barkley
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Second-year New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley confident that his injured ankle would hold up in a game.

For the first time since selecting him No. 2 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, the New York Giants have sat out Saquon Barkley in the regular season. And not just for one, but three straight matchups. The winner of last season’s AP Offensive Rookie of the Year suffered a high ankle sprain in a Week 3 win in Tampa Bay and hasn’t returned since.

This type of injury can take a player out for a huge chunk of the season. But, Barkley is a so-called “superhuman,” and is already looking to return to the field this Sunday. Doctors haven’t officially cleared him for the Week 7 game.

However, if they were able to give him the nod based on his own confidence regarding his health, Barkley would without a doubt suit up this weekend.

“No doubt in my mind,” Barkley said Thursday when asked if his ankle would hold up in a game, per Jordan Raanan of ESPN.

He added that he feels “pretty good” and is “taking it day by day.”

The Giants have fielded the likes of Wayne Gallman, Elijhaa Penny, and undrafted rookie Jon Hilliman. Gallman crossed the goal line twice in a Week 4 win over the Redskins, with one touchdown each as far as rushing and receiving. The third-year Clemson product has also caught the injury bug since then, suffering a concussion during a Week 5 loss to Minnesota. Gallman didn’t suit up against the New England Patriots last Thursday.

Barkley had 237 rushing yards on 6.4 yards-per-carry with one score prior to the injury. He additionally caught 11 balls for 74 yards through the air. If the Pro Bowler were to return to the game field this Sunday, he’d be playing against an Arizona defense that sits at No. 26 in the NFL with 132.8 rushing yards allowed-per-game.

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Ryan Honey is a staff writer and host of the Wide Right Podcast.