Saquon Barkley, the dynamic running back for the New York Giants, has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, casting a shadow over his immense potential.
As of 2024, Barkley continues to battle the lingering effects of a high ankle sprain he suffered earlier this season, raising concerns about his long-term durability and ability to reach the heights many expected of him.
Injury History
Barkley’s injury history dates back to his college days at Penn State, where he suffered a pair of ankle sprains in 2015 and 2016.
This trend continued in the NFL, with Barkley sustaining a hamstring injury during his rookie training camp in 2018 and a high ankle sprain in 2019 that caused him to miss three games.
🚨Saquon Barkley
— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) September 7, 2024
Appears to have suffered an injury
Hard to tell if it’s his right arm or possibly a stinger (his right arm was hanging).
He’s on the sideline when he should be in the game.
Something to monitor
The most devastating blow came in 2020 when Barkley suffered a torn ACL and MCL in Week 2, ending his season prematurely.
He bounced back in 2021 but missed three games due to another ankle injury. Last season, Barkley played through a neck stinger and managed to rack up 1,312 rushing yards, his best statistical year since his rookie campaign.
Current Setback
In Week 2 of the 2023 season, Barkley suffered a high ankle sprain against the Arizona Cardinals, an injury that has continued to plague him.
Despite returning to action in Week 6, Barkley has been dealing with “lingering effects” from the sprain, requiring extra physical therapy to manage the pain.
While his recent performances have shown glimpses of his former self, with 239 rushing yards in the past three games, Barkley’s yards per attempt have been lower than expected.
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The Giants’ coaching staff has acknowledged that the injury is still affecting him, and they are hopeful that the upcoming bye week will provide some much-needed rest and recovery time.
Impact on Career
Barkley’s injury history has undoubtedly impacted his career trajectory. Despite his immense talent, he has struggled to maintain consistent production due to the frequency and severity of his injuries. This has raised questions about his durability and ability to be a workhorse back in the NFL.
Moreover, Barkley’s inability to secure a long-term contract extension from the Giants last offseason has added an extra layer of pressure. He is playing for his future, knowing that a significant injury could jeopardize his chances of landing a lucrative deal.
Looking Ahead
As Barkley enters the second half of the 2023 season, he will need to demonstrate his resilience and ability to overcome his latest setback.
Saquon Barkley practices after back injury https://t.co/1o6udiQq6r
— Rotoworld Football (@rotoworld_fb) August 21, 2024
The Giants’ coaching staff remains optimistic about his potential, and they are committed to finding ways to minimize his injury risk while maximizing his impact on the field.
For Barkley, the path to greatness remains fraught with challenges, but his determination and talent suggest that he is more than capable of overcoming them. If he can stay healthy and continue to produce at a high level, he has the potential to cement his legacy as one of the greatest running backs of his generation.
Conclusion
Saquon Barkley’s injury woes have been a constant source of frustration for both the player and his fans. However, his resilience and talent have kept him in the conversation as one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
Saquon Barkley is not injured. Just a lighter workload day.
— Bob Brookover (@brookob) August 21, 2024
As he navigates the challenges of his latest setback, Barkley’s story serves as a reminder of the fragility of an athlete’s career and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
