The Giants have ruled out running back Saquon Barkley for Thursday’s game against the 49ers, the team announced on Wednesday.
Barkley suffered a sprained ankle late in New York’s 31–28 win over the Cardinals on Sunday. While the team didn’t initially rule him out for their Week 3 matchup in San Francisco, it seemed unlikely that the running back would be able to heal quickly enough to play.
“I’m not saying he’s out yet. He’s a quick healer. I’m not saying he’s in or he’s out,” head coach Brian Daboll said on Tuesday.
By sitting out on Thursday, Barkley will not only have this week to rest, but he will have an extra day next week as the Giants Week 4 game is Monday night vs. the Seahawks.
Along with Barkley, left tackle Andrew Thomas will also miss the game, marking the second straight game in which he’ll be sidelined due to a hamstring injury. With Barkley out, backup running backs Matt Breida, Gary Brightwell and Eric Gray will get more playing time against a difficult 49ers defense.
