The New York Giants have a chance to even their record to 2-2 at MetLife Stadium on Monday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. But will they have prized Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley ready to go?
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Is Saquon Barkley Playing Tonight?
Unfortunately for the Giants, they will have to turn to another running back option at home.
Per NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero on Monday evening, Barkley is listed as inactive for the MNF battle of 2022 NFC playoff teams as he continues to deal with an ankle ailment.
#Giants RB Saquon Barkley (ankle) is officially inactive against the #Seahawks.
LT Charles Cross (toe) is inactive for Seattle. TE Noah Fant (knee) and DT Dre'Mont Jones (hip) are active.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 2, 2023
For Barkley, this will officially mark his second straight missed game. He was not in the lineup for the Giants during their Sept. 21 Thursday Night Football road game against the San Francisco 49ers.
He sustained the injury in the Giants’ 31-28 road win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Via Fox 5 New York sports reporter Jennifer X. Williams on Sept. 30, Barkley revealed he had sustained a high ankle sprain. He believed that it wasn’t imperative for him to suit up on a bad ankle.
“It’s my life. I make the decisions. I love this game, and I feel like if you’re able to play—go out there and play,” he said.
Saquon Barkley confirms he has a high ankle sprain and agrees it's smart for a RB to not play without a contract beyond the year until 100% healthy, Barkley added, "It’s my life. I make the decisions, I love this game and I feel like if you're able to play—go out there and play." pic.twitter.com/iqDvmsQyPc
— Jennifer X. Williams (@JenXperience) September 30, 2023
Barkley was already seen in street clothes ahead of the Giants-Seahawks contest.
Saquon Barkley is in street clothes ahead of Giants-Seahawks pic.twitter.com/7KN2giXRSq
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) October 2, 2023
Who Will the Giants Turn To Now vs. Seattle?
With Barkley out, the Giants need to see improved production from their ground game against the 49ers.
The leading rusher that evening in Santa Clara was Matt Breida, who only carried the ball four times for 17 yards. No other Giants running option, including quarterback Daniel Jones, surpassed five yards on the ground.
The Giants already have the fewest rushing yards among NFC teams this season, with just 264 yards through the first three games.
MORE: New York Giants Depth Chart
Only the Las Vegas Raiders have fewer ground-based yards at 261.