Saquon Barkley is still on track to return for the start of the season after tearing his ACL during the early portions of last season.

New York Giants head coach Joe Judge updated Barkley’s status during Wednesday’s practice and how he needs to show he can get hit in practice before being hit in a game.

“I think every player has to have physical contact and experience of hits they’re going to take in a game before it becomes live, full speed in the regular season,” explained Judge. “And the reality of nature is, the speed of the game increases from the preseason to regular season to postseason. For us to put a player on the field, without either preparing him through practice or preseason games without contact, we’re putting that player in danger and a disservice.”

Barkley only had 19 carries for 34 yards in 2020 before suffering his season-ending injury but the Giants will be hoping he gets back to his 2018 or 2019 form. In both of those seasons, Barkley had over 1,000 yards rushing and 6 or more rushing touchdowns.