New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley admits his health is one of the reasons why his 2019 season has been unproductive.
For much of 2019, Saquon Barkley hasn’t been able to succeed like he did in his rookie year. The New York Giants running back rushed for 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns last season as well as caught 91 balls for 721 yards and four scores through the air. His 2,028 yards from scrimmage led the league. This year, however, he’s rushed for 610 yards with just two touchdowns through 10 games. He’s also racked up 41 receptions for 292 yards and one score.
Many fans believe the slow season is due to his health, despite him denying it. Barkley suffered a high ankle sprain earlier this year, which caused him to miss three games. At some points, it looks like he’s still trying to fully recover from that setback. This week, the second-year pro actually admitted it’s been a factor in his rough 2019 campaign.
“I feel really good, actually. I feel really good. Probably feel the best, to be honest, than a lot of people in the league. I was banged up earlier in the year so I’m getting better and better each week. It’s not so much it’s the injury that, I guess you could say, is holding me back,” Barkley told reporters on Thursday. “Even though physically you feel like you’re back, mentally you might be telling yourself that you’re back, but you watch yourself on film and you can see the way that you’re running and you’re protecting yourself. You don’t really think you’re doing it, but naturally it’s just happening. But I think I’m getting better and better each week. My body is getting healthier and healthier each week. Try to finish the season off strong.”
Barkley rushed for 66 yards on 17 carries in the most recent loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He hasn’t eclipsed 100 yards on the ground in a game since Week 2, where he rushed for 107 yards on 18 carries with one score in a loss to Buffalo.
Despite not being at 100%, Barkley will be active for the upcoming Week 15 matchup with the Miami Dolphins.
