Saquon Barkley performed incredibly well until he experienced an ankle sprain in Week 2. In the two games of the NFL 2023 season, he accumulated 114 yards on the ground, scoring a touchdown while also showcasing his prowess by catching nine passes for 41 yards and an additional touchdown.
Barkley appeared to be regaining his glory after enduring two injury seasons. His running exhibited both strength and agility. He was making contributions in the passing aspect of the game as well.
It’s been two weeks now, and fans are wondering if Saquon Barkley will return in week five against the Dolphins. Here’s everything fans need to know.
Will Saquon Barkley Play in Week 5?
Saquon Barkley’s availability for Week 5 against the Dolphins is uncertain. He has been sidelined for the two games due to an ankle sprain, but he participated in limited practice on Friday. According to Giants head coach Brian Daboll, Barkley’s playing status will be decided before the game.
The team’s medical staff needs to give him clearance before he can take the field. If Barkley cannot play, the Giants will likely rely on Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell as their running backs. Breida has had a great season so far, accumulating 178 rushing yards and scoring one touchdown in three games.
Brightwell has also been a back, rushing for 84 yards in three games. The Giants are optimistic that Barkley will be available on Sunday as they aim to recover from losing against the Cowboys in Week 4. Barkley is renowned as one of the NFL’s players, and his presence would undoubtedly significantly boost the Giant’s offense.
Experts’ Opinion on Saquon Barkley’s Injury and Return
Owner of 3CB Performance, Dr Raj Patel, said Barkley’s ankle is still not fully healed and is a bit swollen and stiff. But he has still healed enough to play in Week 5. However, his performance might not be as impressive as it usually is. And Barkley will feel some discomfort and soreness during and after the game.
He also said Barkley needs to hear his body and not push it too much. Mike Florio, a famous sports writer, said that Barkley can play in Week 5, but he also noted that Barkley needs to take proper precautions because he is coming off a high ankle sprain. He further added such injuries are tricky and will put some limit on his performance.
According to Chris Simms from NBC Sports, it seems probable that Barkley will participate in Week 5. However, there is a chance that the Giants might limit his playing time to avoid any injury aggravation. Fantasy managers should be aware that Barkley’s productivity in Week 5 could be affected and may not be as high as usual.
Saquon Barkley’s Injury History
Saquon Barkley has a history of dealing with injuries from his time at Penn State in college. During his first year, he had to sit out two games due to an ankle injury. Then, in the 2017 Big Ten Championship Game, he suffered a hamstring injury. Since joining the NFL, Barkley has unfortunately experienced injuries well.
In 2019, he missed three games because of an ankle injury, and in 2021, he was sidelined for four games due to a left ankle injury. In 2020, things took a turn when Barkley tore his ACL in Week 2 and could not play for the remainder of the season.
Currently, Barkley is dealing with a high ankle sprain that occurred during Week 2 of the 2023 season. As a result, he has missed the two games. There is hope that he may be able to return for Week 5, although it remains uncertain.
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