Following a surprising trip to the playoffs last season, the New York Giants have been struggling so far during the 2023 campaign, as they currently have a 1-3 record after four games.
Not helping the Giants is the fact that their star running back, Saquon Barkley, has missed the team’s last two matchups because of an ankle injury.
New York was hoping to possibly have Barkley back on the field on Sunday in their Week 5 game against the Miami Dolphins, but according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the veteran running back will not be suiting up for the Giants this weekend.
The #Giants are not expected to have RB Saquon Barkley in today's game against the #Dolphins, sources say. Still dealing with that high-ankle sprain, it doesn't appear he's quite ready. But closer.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 8, 2023
For as much as New York’s offense struggled in their first two games of the season when Barkley was healthy, the team’s offense has even more difficulty moving the ball when he’s not in the lineup.
During the Giants’ surprising run in 2022, Barkley rushed for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns, and his performance ultimately resulted in New York quarterback Daniel Jones having the most successful single season of his young career.
This year, Jones has gotten off to a terrible start as he’s averaging less than 195 passing yards per game, he’s only thrown two touchdowns, and he’s turned the ball over seven times (six interceptions and one fumble).
It’s very clear that Barkley being on the field has a big impact on how well Jones is able to play.
So, with the veteran running back not expected to be on the field for the Giants on Sunday, are we about to see another terrible performance from New York’s top quarterback?
NEXT: J.J. Watt Shares His Thoughts On Giants' Protection For Daniel Jones
