For the New York Giants, 2021 could prove to be a pivotal season. The side has missed out on the playoffs since 2016 and is yet to make a solid run for a postseason berth.
But 2021 could end up being different. The side roped in star wideout Kenny Golladay on a bumper contract as a free agent and also expect big things from quarterback Daniel Jones.
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But perhaps the biggest boost the side could receive is the return of running back Saquon Barkley. The Pro Bowler tore his ACL back in Week 2 last season and has been nursing his injury since then. But now finally, the moment of Barkley’s return seems to be finally upon us.
New York Giants get Barkley boost
According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, Saquon Barkley is expected to declared fully fit soon to take on the Denver Broncos for the opening tie of the 2021 NFL season.
#Giants RB Saquon Barkley is gearing up to play Sunday vs. the #Broncos, and sources say he’s close to being fully cleared to do so following major knee surgery. The team needs to watch him through Thursday to gauge how his body responds to the workload. But he’s close.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 6, 2021
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Many wondered whether or not Barkley would be fit for the season opener as the team and the running back did not provide any clear timeline as to when he might return.
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The running back treaded cautiously hinting multiple times through the preseason that he wasn’t sure whether he was ready or not to be declared fully fit.
But now with the opening season’s opening tie less than a week away, the Giants can be optimistic about their playoff chances once again.
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After all, the running back was the side’s most potent weapon on offense before picking up the injury. How big a role will the return of Saquon Barkley play in the Giants’ chances of making the playoffs? Let us know in the comments below.