Saquon Barkley not a lock to play in Giants' Week 1 game vs. Broncos while returning from knee injury

Coach Joe Judge said there won't be a decision made until next week

Saquon Barkley is entering 2021 looking to prove he's worth not only a new Giants contract but recognition as one of the NFL's best running backs. But it remains to be seen whether he'll get the chance to start his bounce-back campaign in Week 1. As ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported Tuesday, New York won't decide on Barkley's status for the team's Sept. 12 opener until next week, perhaps even days before kickoff, while the former Pro Bowler recovers from a torn ACL suffered last September.

Barkley did not play in any of the Giants' three preseason games while preparing for a regular-season workload, and New York added former Broncos and Raiders backup Devontae Booker this spring as veteran insurance. The team also released former Eagles reserve Corey Clement on Tuesday, potentially signaling that Barkley will return sooner rather than later considering Clement led the Giants in rushing during the preseason. Until Barkley gets through a "few more key practices," per Raanan, New York will not commit to him taking the field against the Broncos when the season begins.

In the event Barkley isn't ready to play in Week 1, Booker would likely start in his place, with rookie Gary Brightwell serving as the top backup. Coach Joe Judge told reporters Tuesday that he intends to increase Barkley's snaps at practice in the days leading up to the opener, then evaluate the running back's status depending on how he handles physical contact.

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