WELCOME SIGHT

Barkley practices for first time since injury

Minutes into Wednesday’s practice, Pat Shurmur had an announcement.

“In case you missed it,” the Giants coach said, walking over to a group of reporters on the sideline, “26 is doing individuals.”

This was the official return of Saquon Barkley, practicing for the first time since straining his left hamstring while stretching out to make a catch on Aug. 13.

The Giants appear to be easing Barkley back into the thick of things. In the non-padded practice, he participated in individual drills and took a few 7on-7 reps. But it was a promising sign that the rookie was back in action, even if he likely will sit out Friday’s preseason game against the Jets.

“I’m feeling really good, feeling strong, continue to strengthen [the hamstring],” Barkley said. “The strength staff and trainers have been doing a great job with me, conditioning me a little bit over there too, making sure I’m continuing to get ready for the game or next time I’m able to play.”

Shurmur was noncommittal when asked if it was important to get Barkley in another preseason game before Week 1. The No. 2 pick took four carries for 43 yards against the Browns before sitting out against the Lions last week.

“We’ll see,” Shurmur said, adding the Giants would continue to be “smart” about how they handle their prized rookie.

The real goal is making sure Barkley is ready for Week 1 of the regular season against the Jaguars, which he appears on track for, as long as he does not suffer any setbacks. Barkley and the training staff are doing ev- erything they can to avoid that, even if it means he doesn’t see another preseason snap.

“Personally, the way I feel, my body feels, I feel good,” Barkley said. “I’ve been moving really well. But that’s what the trainers get paid for. They tell me stories all the time, and talking to other guys, even guys like [Odell Beckham Jr.] that hurt their hamstring before. It’s when you feel 100 percent and that’s when you give it that push, boom, it happens again and it’s a setback. I don’t want any setbacks at all.

“When it’s time for me, when they feel I’m ready, that’s when I’ll be ready.”

Barkley said he would feel comfortable playing Week 1 if he sits out the final two preseason games. Though he had been held out of practice before Wednesday, he emphasized the importance of taking mental reps and soaking up every bit of information he could without actually being involved in the offense.

There’s also a chance Week 1 is the first time both Barkley and Beckham take the field for a game together.

“We’ll see if that actually happens,” Shurmur said when asked about the tandem not taking the field until the opener.

Though he likely will be relegated to the sideline Friday, it will still be a special night for Barkley and his family. He grew up a Jets fan and his dad even has a Jets tattoo, but he’s hoping the family’s new allegiance will be on full display.

“I think he’s going to come with his son and wear a Barkley jersey,” Barkley said of his father. “Obviously I don’t know what I’m doing [Friday], but just to be out there and be in MetLife and seeing my family and [looking] across seeing the Jets, growing up, it’s all coming full circle. This puts you back thinking of the past and all the hard work, determination. When I was a little kid, I wanted to be in this position. That little time is all coming together.”