Giants coach Joe Judge confirms Saquon Barkley's status for preseason finale

Former Penn State star Saquon Barkley is hoping for a healthy and productive 2021 with the New York Giants after missing 14 games last season due to a torn ACL.

As a precaution, Giants coach Joe Judge is holding out Barkley for the Aug. 29 preseason contest vs. the New England Patriots.

Giants starters will play a “minimum” of one half Sunday vs. New England, per Joe Judge. RB Saquon Barkley (knee) and TE Kyle Rudolph (foot) will not play as they continue to ramp-up.

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) August 27, 2021

Barkley sustained the torn ACL during a Week 2 contest vs. the Bears. Barkley participated in live drills and got eight reps on Aug. 26, according to ESPN. Barkley is aiming to be ready when the Giants host the Denver Broncos in Week 1 on Sept. 12.

“I feel really good right now,” Barkley said.

In the previous two seasons, Barkley totaled 2,310 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground, along with 143 receptions, 1,159 yards, and 6 receiving touchdowns.

Barkley captured NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowl selection in 2018.

The Giants selected the Penn State product with the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. While at Penn State, Barkley was a consensus All-American (2017), captured the Paul Hornung Award, and was a two-time B1G Offensive Player of the Year (2016, 2017).