When asked on a Friday conference call if he plans on having Saquon Barkley back in uniform for their Week 7 contest against the Arizona Cardinals, Giants head coach Pat Shurmur remained noncommital.
"We'll see," Shurmur before saying that the running back was "out running around" at the practice facility today. Barkley has been with the team at practice for about a week since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 3 that was initially expected to keep him out for 4-6 weeks.
With Wayne Gallman (concussion) also out Thursday, the Giants elevated Austin Walker from the practice squad to suit up against the Patriots. But he was waived on Friday, which could be some indication that one or both of the team's injured running backs is ready to return.
Thursday Night Football analyst Andrea Kremer reported Thursday night that she spoke to a Giants team doctor, who told her that Barkley "should be ready" for the game against the Cardinals on Oct. 20.
Looking ahead, the #NYGiants team doctor told me @saquon is doing quite well. He has a bit of residual soreness they want to let get better. He should be ready for the game vs. Arizona in 10 days. #TNFonPrime
- Andrea Kremer (@Andrea_Kremer) October 11, 2019
With a few extra days of rest thanks to a Thursday matchup, the Giants hope they can use that time to get a few of their banged-up players a little healthier. But there's no doubt that the dynamic Barkley is chief among them.