GIANT STEPS
Barkley flaunts all the right moves in side field training camp workout
If there had been fans at Giants training camp on Thursday, Saquon Barkley’s workout would have had Quest Diagnostics Training Facility buzzing.
Barkley, 24, looked fast and strong on his surgically repaired right knee while sprinting, stutter-stepping and jump-cutting on the back field with trainers and tight end Kyle Rudolph.
First, Barkley caught a pass and powerfully turned upfield. Then he caught a screen pass to the left with Rudolph (foot) blocking and did a stutter step and short jump-cut inside.
Then Barkley turned it loose and sprinted carrying the ball on a third simulated play about 50 yards into the end zone.
The Giants’ plan is still to “take a big picture and long-term view” of Barkley’s buildup, as Joe Judge said last weekend. So Barkley still is not practicing with the team. He and Rudolph are on the physically unable to perform list. And Barkley is no guarantee to play in Week 1.
But Thursday’s work was affirmation that his recovery is headed in the right direction. And it is now obvious why Barkley keeps asking Judge “how long ya think?,” even as he remains patient and follows the team’s plan:
Because he’s starting to look like himself.