Running back Saquon Barkley is doubtful for Monday night's game against Seattle, New York Giants say

Published Sep. 30, 2023 3:45 p.m. ET

Associated Press

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Star running back Saquon Barkley has been listed as doubtful for the New York Giants' game against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night because of a sprained right ankle.

Barkley practiced on a limited basis Saturday for the third straight day and coach Brian Daboll listed him as doubtful on the final injury report.

Daboll also said star left tackle Andrew Thomas would miss his third straight game with a hamstring injury. He was hurt in the season opener against Dallas. Second-year pro Josh Ezeudu will start again.

“Saquon will practice, do a little bit more,” Daboll said before Saturday's workout. “We’ll see where he’s at and take it right up to game time.”

Barkley sprained his ankle on Sept. 17 late in a game against the Arizona Cardinals. The 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year did not play four days later in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

After Saturday's practice, Barkley confirmed for the first time to local media he sustained a high sprain to his ankle. He had one in 2019 and missed three games.

“I think I am doing way better than what other people would expect, especially talking to doctors, I'm further along, but it's frustrating," Barkley said. "I'm healing fast, but you want it to be faster.”

Barkley, who is playing on a one-year contract worth up to $11 million, said he loves playing football, doesn't like watching it and wants to be out there with his teammates. He added he has felt better with each passing day but that he wants to play when he can compete at a high level and protect his quarterback as needed.

The Giants have lost two of their first three games. Seattle is 2-1 and never has lost at MetLife Stadium in five tries.

Barkley refused to say whether he did any speed drills on Saturday. He was coy when asked about his chances of playing Monday night.

“I think I will have a better answer tomorrow and a better answer the day after that, that's Monday, right? We'll see,” he said.

Barkley has carried 29 times in two games for 114 yards and a touchdown. The No. 2 overall draft pick in 2018 has caught nine passes for 41 yards and another TD.

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