The New York Giants are not having much go right in 2021.
The latest problem is a COVID scare in the facility.
However, it appears a string of false positives is to blame for that.
Running back Saquon Barkley was one of the players to test positive, but it turns out the test itself was lying.
#Giants RB Saquon Barkley is back in the facility this morning, sources say. Further testing revealed a false positive COVID-19 test. Now, about that injured ankle…
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 5, 2021
Barkley, and anyone for that matter, not dealing with COVID is great news.
The focus now turns back to his ankle injury that has held him out since early October.
One Problem Solved For Barkley
Moving past the COVID scare allows the conversation to focus on Barkley’s potential return from the ankle injury.
Let’s say he can return this week against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Will his presence even help the Giants that much?
Barkley’s season-high in a game this season is 57 yards and the most carries he has received in one game is 16.
The former No. 2 overall pick would likely return not at 100 percent, only opening him up to more potential harm.
For the 2-6 Giants, it may not be worth it to give him a huge workload against a Raiders team that will enter as heavy favorites.
Barkley’s situation goes beyond Sunday’s game.
Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney will be removed from COVID list this morning and return to the team’s practice facility. Gary Brightwell remains on the COVID list.
— New York Giants (@Giants) November 5, 2021
The Giants need to figure out if he is truly a foundational piece for the franchise, or if he is a draft bust.
The second half of the season will determine the answer to that major question.
He was a 1,000-yard rusher in each of his first two seasons before the injuries started piling up.
While the injuries could buy him time, the Giants may seek an organizational reset if the season continues on its current trajectory.
So if Barkley cannot get healthy or play well the rest of the year, he may be on the move this offseason.
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