Giants won’t rule out Saquon Barkley for Week 5

The New York Giants are surging with rookie quarterback Daniel Jones, and he might get a key cog back sooner rather than later. Running back Saquon Barkley is rehabbing a high ankle sprain, and is pushing to get back sooner than the four to eight week rehab timeline.

Barkley was doing training work on Wednesday, and showing improvement. On Thursday, head coach Pat Shurmur would not rule Barkley out for Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Giants beat writer Dan Duggan. Shurmur emphasized behind smart with it, but they want to get him back as soon as is realistic — and that could very well include this Sunday.

Fantasy football analysis, New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley

It would certainly be a pleasant surprise to see Barkley back by Sunday, but we should keep expectations a little lower for the time being. Week 6 is suddenly looking like a real possibility, and considering it’s a road game against the New England Patriots, every weapon available would be a plus.

In the meantime, assume Wayne Gallman will get the start this weekend. If that changes, then Barkley is the one to start, but for now, I suspect the Giants are playing mind games to a certain extent.