TEMPE, Ariz. — After speaking with his star running back Monday morning, coach Brian Daboll said “I’m hopeful’’ about the latest ankle injury that could sideline Saquon Barkley and cost the Giants the services of a major offensive weapon.
Barkley was injured late in the astonishing 31-28 comeback victory over the Cardinals, as the Giants wiped out a 21-point third quarter deficit.
“I’m hopeful, having talked to him this morning before he went to get further tests but I don’t want to speculate until I have the full information,’’ Daboll said.
The severity of the injury will be determined by an MRI exam. An X-ray at State Farm Stadium after the game revealed there were no broken bones.
“Hopeful’’ likely means that, in a best-case scenario, Barkley avoided a major injury and that this is a traditional low ankle sprain — there were indications late Sunday night that was the case.
Given that Barkley’s right ankle swelled up and he needed assistance getting off the field, it is highly unlikely that he will be available to the Giants for Thursday night’s game with the 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif.
Barkley went down with only 1:12 remaining in the game, fighting for extra push on a 2-yard run as the Giants were setting up Graham Gano for his eventual 34-yard game-winning field goal.
It was Barkley’s 17th rushing attempt of the day.
The Giants, down 20 points at halftime, went into pass-mode in the second half but Barkley did get the ball 10 times.
It was an unusually-high snap count for Barkley — 66 of the 68 offensive plays.
He finished with 63 rushing yards and caught six passes for 29 yards.
For the second consecutive game, Barkley had a pass come off his hands that resulted in an interception for Daniel Jones.
In the season-opening 40-0 loss to the Cowboys, a heavy hit dislodged the ball from Barkley’s possession and it turned into a pick-six touchdown for the Cowboys.
Against the Cardinals, Barkley was untouched as the ball deflected off his hands for an interception.
The best hope for Barkley is that he can recover in time for the Week 4 “Monday Night Football’’ game against the Seahawks on Oct. 2.
“Whatever it is, we’ll have a plan ready to go,’’ Daboll said. “If he can play, he can play, and if he can’t we’ll have the other guys prepared and ready to go.’’
As far as the immediate plans, the Giants will likely have to lean on veteran Matt Breida at running back going against the rugged 49ers defense, with Gary Brightwell and rookie Eric Gray filling complementary roles.
In two games this season, Breida has only three rushing attempts (for 14 yards).
He was with the Bills in 2021 when Daboll was the offensive coordinator in Buffalo.
“I’ve been with Matt for quite some time, he knows our system,’’ Daboll said. “He’s prepared every week as if he was the starter and that’s what they all need to do. I’d say all three of the guys work really hard and prepare as if they’re going to play an entire game.’’
Unfortunately for Barkley, this is a well-traveled road for him.
After a healthy rookie season, he missed three games in 2019 dealing with a right ankle sprain.
In 2020, he missed 14 games after tearing his right ACL.
In 2021, he missed four games with a high left ankle sprain.
Barkley, 26, was not happy about the Giants placing the franchise tag of $10.1 million on him and he left it unsigned, forcing him to miss the entire spring offseason workout program.
Despite murmurings that he would take an aggressive stance and not report to training camp, Barkley agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $11 million and reported to camp on time.
“It’s always tough to see anyone go down, especially Saquon,’’ Jones said. “He’s a huge piece of what we’re doing. He’s an important player on the team. So, I know he’ll work hard to get back, get through whatever he is going through. Look forward to having him back as soon as possible.”