Tag: Giants

Oct 2, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Myles Adams (95) sacks New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Seahawks stuff Giants, cruise to 24-3 win

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon returned an interception 97 yards for a touchdown and had two of Seattle’s 11 sacks as the Seahawks continued their Monday night mastery with a 24-3 victory against the New York Giants in East Rutherford, N.J.

Kenneth Walker III rushed for 79 yards and a touchdown and Geno Smith threw a TD pass to DK Metcalf as the Seahawks (3-1) improved to 29-12 all-time on “Monday Night Football,” with their .707 winning percentage the best in league history.

Seattle’s sack total tied the franchise’s single-game record.

The Giants (1-3), who played without star running back Saquon Barkley (ankle), managed just 248 yards of total offense.

New York quarterback Daniel Jones completed 27 of 34 passes for 203 yards with two interceptions and a lost fumble. He also rushed for a team-high 66 yards on 10 carries.

With the Giants trailing 14-3 late in the third quarter, Jones scrambled for a 10-yard gain on fourth-and-1 from the Seattle 16 on New York’s lone trip into the red zone. Two plays later, Jones tried to hit Parris Campbell, but the throw was behind the receiver and was picked off by Witherspoon.

Smith finished with 110 yards on 13-of-20 passing. He missed the final 9:28 of the second quarter while being evaluated for a knee injury. Drew Lock stepped in under center and led a TD drive in Smith’s absence.

The Seahawks opened the scoring on the final play of the first quarter. Smith scrambled to his right and threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to a diving Metcalf in the back corner of the end zone. That capped a two-play drive set up by Mario Edwards Jr., who sacked Jones and forced a fumble that was recovered by Jordyn Brooks at the New York 15-yard line and returned to the 7.

The Giants, who have yet to score a first-half touchdown this season, got a 55-yard field goal from Graham Gano with 3:05 remaining before intermission.

Lock led the Seahawks on a seven play, 75-yard drive, capped by Walker’s 1-yard scoring run, to make it 14-3 with 1:39 left in the second quarter. Walker’s TD plunge came after a third-and-10 screen pass to tight end Noah Fant, who broke a tackle and tight-roped down the sideline for 51 yards to the 1.

Seahawks safety Jamal Adams, playing in his first game since tearing his quadriceps in the 2022 season opener, lasted just nine plays before sustaining a concussion when getting kneed in the head while trying to make a tackle on a scrambling Jones. Adams didn’t return.

–Field Level Media

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 17, 2023.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley inactive for MNF

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New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley will officially miss Monday night’s game against the Seattle Seahawks as one of the team’s five inactive players.

Barkley has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during New York’s game-winning drive in a 31-28 road win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 17. He then sat out the Giants’ 30-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers four days later.

Giants coach Brian Daboll had said Barkley would be a game-time decision after he took part in limited practice on Saturday. However, Barkley was listed as doubtful on the injury report and was considered a long-shot to play Monday night as the Giants face upcoming road games at Miami and Buffalo.

Barkley leads New York (1-2) with 155 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. In his place, the Giants will lean on backups Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell.

Also out for Monday’s night’s game is left tackle Andrew Thomas, who has a hamstring injury. He will be replaced by Josh Ezeudu.

The Seahawks will also be without their blind-side protector for quarterback Geno Smith, as left tackle Charles Cross is inactive with a toe injury. He is one of seven inactives for Seattle, a list that also includes backup cornerbacks Coby Bryant, Tre Brown and Artie Burns.

Seattle will regain the services of safety Jamal Adams, who has not played since suffering a season-ending torn quad tendon in the 2022 season opener.

The game will also mark Adams’ return to MetLife Stadium, where he played three seasons with the New York Jets until Seattle acquired him in a July 2020 trade.

–Field Level Media

September 21, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

MNF Week 4: Seahawks-Giants Preview, Props, Prediction

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The first quarter of the NFL season wraps up when the New York Giants play host to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night.

It’s a big game for the injury-riddled Giants (1-2), who face road games at Miami and Buffalo the next two weeks. For the Seahawks (2-1), it’s an opportunity to continue to build momentum with a third consecutive victory after dropping their season opener.

Seattle opened as a 1.5-point favorite and the line had moved to 2.5 by Monday afternoon with the Seahawks backed by 79 percent of the spread-line bets and 75 percent of the money at BetMGM. Their -125 moneyline has also been popular, drawing 61 and 70 percent of the action, respectively.

The same line at BetRivers has seen Seattle supported by 75 percent of the spread-line bets and 61 percent of the money.

QUICK PICK
This is almost a must-win game for the Giants considering their record and upcoming schedule. It’s also a tough matchup minus arguably their best two offensive players in running back Saquon Barkley (ankle) and left tackle Andrew Thomas (hamstring).

The Seahawks have their own injury concerns along the offensive line, which could leave them exposed in pass protection, but look for the backfield duo of Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet to help control field position.

Prediction: Seahawks 23, Giants 20

PROP PICK
Walker scoring a touchdown at any point during Monday night’s game (-110) has been the most popular player prop at BetMGM, behind only Walker at +600 to score the first touchdown. The second-year back has reached the end zone twice in consecutive games.

The Giants’ ground game has been gashed for an average of 138 yards per game on 4.2 yards per carry, with opponents already racking up six rushing touchdowns.

THE NEWS
The Giants have had 10 days off following a 30-12 loss at San Francisco in which they had just 150 yards of total offense.

The Seahawks have won their past two games, including a 37-27 decision against visiting Carolina last week. Walker III was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 97 yards and two touchdowns and adding 59 yards on three receptions.

“Ken is out there just juking guys and making guys miss left and right,” Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith said.

The Seahawks are 28-12 on Monday nights, the highest winning percentage (.700) in the league. They’re 33-14-1 in prime-time games under coach Pete Carroll and also 5-0 at MetLife Stadium, including their only Super Bowl title in franchise history a decade ago.

The Seahawks and Giants met last season, with Seattle winning 27-13 at home on Oct. 30.

KEY STAT
The Giants have yet to score a touchdown in the first half this season and have been outscored 63-6 before the intermission.

“I’d say we have a lot of improvement to do and that’s what we’re going to do. Try to improve,” Giants coach Brian Daboll said.

INJURY REPORT
In addition to Barkley (doubtful) and Thomas (out), Giants left guard Ben Bredeson (concussion) was cleared from the league’s protocol. Outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari (hamstring), tight end Daniel Bellinger (neck) and defensive tackle D.J. Davidson (elbow) are also expected to play.

The Seahawks could get a boost from the return of safety Jamal Adams, who hasn’t played since tearing his quadriceps in the 2022 season opener. It seems appropriate Adams would make his comeback in New York, where he started his career with the Jets.

“Judging from the practices that he’s had the last couple of weeks, he’s ready to go,” Carroll said.

Seahawks cornerbacks Artie Burns (hamstring) and Tre Brown (concussion) were ruled out. Fellow corner Coby Bryant (toe) and tackle Charles Cross (toe) were listed as doubtful, but cornerback Riq Woolen (chest) is off the injury report after missing Week 3.

Tight ends Will Dissly (shoulder) and Noah Fant (knee) were among those listed as questionable.

Daboll said Barkley was expected to be a game-time decision, but he was officially listed as doubtful Saturday. Should Barkley sit, the Giants will lean on running backs Matt Brieda and Gary Brightwell.

Meanwhile, Thomas will miss his third straight game due to a hamstring injury and will be replaced by Josh Ezeudu.

Daboll said left guard Ben Bredeson (concussion) is in the final stages of the league’s protocol. Outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari (hamstring), tight end Daniel Bellinger (neck) and defensive tackle D.J. Davidson (elbow) have been limited in practice.

THEY SAID IT
“I think it’s just locking in from the get-go. It’s not as easy as just getting points on the board as quickly as the other team does. We want to do that, we want to get that quick start, but even when we don’t, it’s like what we’ve been talking about, just staying the course and believing in the next play and taking advantage of every opportunity.” – Giants inside linebacker Micah McFadden on what the Giants need to do differently.

–Field Level Media

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 17, 2023.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley game-time decision vs. Seahawks

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley will be a game-time decision for Monday night’s game against the visiting Seattle Seahawks, coach Brian Daboll said Saturday.

Barkley sustained an ankle injury during New York’s game-winning drive in a 31-28 road win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 17. He then sat out the Giants’ 30-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers four days later.

Despite missing that game, Barkley leads New York (1-2) with 155 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.

“Saquon will practice, do a little bit more,” Daboll said on Saturday. “We’ll see where he’s at and take it right up to game time.”

Should Barkley sit out again, the Giants will lean on running backs Matt Brieda and Gary Brightwell against the Seahawks (2-1).

Daboll also announced Saturday that offensive tackle Andrew Thomas will miss his third straight game due to a hamstring injury.

“Andrew won’t (play on Monday),” Daboll said. “He practiced a little bit in individual two days ago, just wasn’t feeling right, didn’t practice him yesterday. He won’t make the game.”

–Field Level Media

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 17, 2023.

Saquon Barkley day-to-day, Giants off until Thursday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Running back Saquon Barkley is considered day-to-day as the New York Giants return to work in preparation for a Monday night home game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Giants coach Brian Daboll said Barkley won’t do much in Tuesday’s “jog-through” session. The team will take Wednesday off and return Thursday, when they will release their first injury report for the week.

“But he’s really now, I’d say, in the day-to-day category,” Daboll said of the former No. 2 overall pick. “Feels a lot better today, but we’ll kind of take that all the way throughout the week and see how he improves.”

Barkley, 26, suffered an ankle sprain in Week 2 toward the end of the Giants’ 31-28 road win over the Arizona Cardinals. Reports said Barkley was expected to miss three weeks, but Daboll called Barkley “a quick healer.”

He wasn’t back in time to face the San Francisco 49ers on a short week. New York lost 30-12 without him last Thursday with Matt Breida carrying the load at running back.

Barkley missed time with ankle injuries in 2019 and 2021. His 2020 season was also cut short due to a torn ACL in Week 2.

“To me I think every injury is different, even though it’s the same body part,” Daboll said Tuesday. “Let him rehab, let him get with the trainers, get a feel for where he’s at. Let’s talk to the trainers and see where they are at with his injury and then make the decision when it comes time to make the decision, but he’s getting better. We’ll see how it goes.”

Through two games, Barkley has rushed for 114 yards and one touchdown on 29 carries and caught nine passes for 41 yards and another score.

Daboll said left guard Ben Bredeson cleared concussion protocol and left tackle Andrew Thomas (hamstring) is doing “better” after missing back-to-back games.

–Field Level Media

Sep 21, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws a pass against the New York Giants in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Brock Purdy, 49ers roll over Giants

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Brock Purdy passed for a regular-season career-high 310 yards and two touchdowns to help the San Francisco 49ers post a 30-12 victory over the New York Giants on Thursday night at Santa Clara, Calif.

Christian McCaffrey rushed for a touchdown and totaled 119 yards (85 rushing, 34 receiving) for the 49ers (3-0), who won their 13th consecutive regular-season game. Deebo Samuel had six receptions for 129 yards and one score, George Kittle caught seven passes for 90 yards and Ronnie Bell hauled in his first career touchdown catch for San Francisco.

Reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa recorded his first sack since signing a five-year, $170 million extension with the 49ers. The contract is the richest for a defender in NFL history.

Former 49ers running back Matt Breida rushed for a touchdown for the Giants (1-2), who played without star running back Saquon Barkley (ankle). The running game struggled without Barkley, with New York totaling 29 yards on 11 attempts.

Daniel Jones was 22-of-32 passing for 137 yards and one interception for the Giants.

San Francisco controlled the ball for 39:10 and had a 78-46 edge in plays. Purdy completed 25 of 37 passes as the 49ers outgained the Giants 441-150.

New York moved within 17-12 with 10 minutes left in the third quarter on Breida’s 8-yard scoring run. Jones was sacked on the ensuing two-point conversion attempt.

San Francisco tacked on a 21-yard field goal by Jake Moody to hold an eight-point lead with 4:08 remaining in the period. Moody added a 36-yarder to increase the margin to 23-12 with 12:47 left in the game.

The 49ers put the game away on Purdy’s 27-yard touchdown pass to Samuel with 5:58 remaining in the contest.

San Francisco scored two second-quarter touchdowns while taking a 17-6 lead into halftime.

Purdy connected with Bell on a 9-yard scoring pass to give San Francisco a 10-3 lead with 7:49 left in the second quarter. Just over six minutes later, McCaffrey scored on a 4-yard run to boost the lead to 14.

New York’s Graham Gano kicked a 57-yard field goal with 13 seconds remaining in the first half.

San Francisco opened the game with a 15-play, 64-yard drive before settling for Moody’s 28-yard field goal. The Giants answered with a 44-yard field goal from Gano.

–Field Level Media

Sep 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

TNF Week 3: Giants-49ers Preview, Props, Prediction

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Week 3 of the NFL season kick offs with one of the two double-digit spread games on the slate, with the New York Giants (1-1) traveling to the San Francisco 49ers (2-0).

QUICK PICK
The cards are certainly stacked against the Giants, who are playing on a short week after a win against the host Arizona Cardinals last Sunday. They’re also doing it without star running back Saquon Barkley, who suffered a sprained ankle in the win, which came only after the Giants snapped a six-quarter scoreless streak to begin the season.

Meanwhile, the 49ers have steamrolled their way to a 2-0 start, following a route at Pittsburgh with a hard-fought 30-23 win at the Los Angeles Rams. San Francisco finally gets its home opener, and it’s in prime time as a 10.5-point favorite, with the 49ers’ spread line backed by 81 percent of the total bets at BetRivers and 78 percent at BetMGM.

Prediction: 49ers 30-13

PROP PICK
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has thrown at least one interception in three consecutive games. Extending that streak to four has been the fifth-most popular player prop at BetMGM, drawing 99 percent of the bets at -110.

Minus Barkley and likely forced to push the ball downfield while playing from behind, Jones is in an unenviable situation while facing a 49ers defense that already has five picks and 6.0 sacks on the young season.

KEY STAT
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has thrown at least two touchdown passes in seven of his past eight regular-season games, while running back Christian McCaffrey has scored at least once in 11 consecutive games. McCaffrey making that 12 straight has been the most popular prop at BetRivers, where it has drawn 3.6 percent of the bets at -250.

THE NEWS
Jones is in the crosshairs without Barkley and the entire left side of the offensive line. Left tackle Andrew Thomas (hamstring) and left guard Ben Bredeson (concussion) are also out for Week 3.

“(Jones is a) huge challenge,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “It starts with his legs — anytime you have that speed and you can run the ball like he does,” Shanahan said. “They’re willing to run him. He’s willing to run. He’s physical when he runs. He has the skill set to run away from people.”

The 49ers know the next man up at running back rather well. Matt Breida gained 2,463 total yards with 10 touchdowns with the 49ers from 2017-19, then was traded to the Miami Dolphins.

“I just want to go out there and play for my team,” Breida said. “At the end of the day, I’m grateful to still be playing in the NFL, you know I came undrafted, so just to be here I am blessed and whatever my team needs me to do, I’m going to do.”

The 49ers have no injury concerns at running back.

McCaffrey, the NFL’s rushing leader (268 yards) by 88 yards through two games, is set to take on a Giants defense being hit for 4.6 yards per carry and 136.5 rushing yards per game. Giants defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale’s inventive fronts, including a two-man line for multiple snaps against the Cardinals, aren’t leading to much success or pressure on the quarterback to date.

The Giants are still looking for their first sack and takeaway this season. The 49ers allowed 15 pressures Week 1 at Pittsburgh, but brought that number down to just six in Week 2, according to Pro Football Focus.

But it hasn’t helped that New York was outscored 46-0 in the first half by the Cowboys and Cardinals, all but erasing risk-taking from either offense. Dallas pitched a 40-0 shutout in Week 1.

While McCaffrey is a sure thing on Thursday night, the 49ers are planning to work Elijah Mitchell into the game plan. Shanahan said he wants to get McCaffrey more rest. He’s on pace for nearly 1,000 snaps in the regular season.

Shanahan expects defensive end Nick Bosa to continue making an impact — he had three pressures of Matthew Stafford in the 30-23 win over the Rams — even if it isn’t showing up on the stat sheet every week.

“He’s getting back into football shape, getting back into his groove,” Shanahan said. “He got better and stronger throughout the game, similar to last week in that aspect. He finished the game really strong and took a step forward from Pittsburgh.”

The Giants have allowed 10 sacks in two games. While Bosa isn’t yet on the board, second-year defensive end Drake Jackson leads the team with three sacks.

INJURY REPORT
The Giants will be without Barkley, Thomas and Bredeson on offense. Linebacker Azeez Ojulari (hamstring) also was ruled out on Wednesday.

49ers co-leader in receptions Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder) was among players dinged for San Francisco last week along with cornerback Ambry Thomas (knee). Aiyuk and Ambry Thomas were limited in practice on both Tuesday and Wednesday and were listed as questionable to face the Giants.

THEY SAID IT
“It’s tough. Wink will always say he’s our best defensive player because when he’s on the field running the ball, we are on the sideline. Saquon is an incredible leader; this team is going to miss him, but we also have a ‘next man up’ mentality. Everybody has to in this league.” –Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke on playing without Barkley.

–Field Level Media

Sep 17, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety K'Von Wallace (22) tackles New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Giants RB Saquon Barkley (ankle) ruled out vs. 49ers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley has been ruled out of Thursday’s road game against the San Francisco 49ers due to a sprained ankle.

Giants coach Brian Daboll initially told reporters on Tuesday that Barkley would be a game-time decision against the 49ers (2-0). On Wednesday, the team’s injury report listed Barkley as out, along with offensive linemen Andrew Thomas (hamstring) and Ben Bredeson (concussion) as well as linebacker Azeez Ojulari (hamstring).

Barkley and Bredeson did not practice on Wednesday, while Thomas, Ojulari joined wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (knee) and linebacker Micah McFadden (neck) in being limited. Robinson and McFadden are listed as questionable to face San Francisco.

Barkley, 26, hurt his right ankle during the Giants’ game-winning drive in a 31-28 road win over the Arizona Cardinals. He took a 2-yard carry up the middle and appeared to get his ankle caught under Arizona linebacker Krys Barnes with 1:08 left in the game.

Through two games, Barkley has rushed for 114 yards and one touchdown on 29 carries and caught nine passes for 41 yards and another score for the Giants (1-1).

Barkley missed time with ankle injuries in 2019 and 2021. His 2020 season was also cut short due to a torn ACL in Week 2.

Running back Matt Breida will receive increased playing time in the absence of Barkley. Breida, 28, carried the ball 54 times for 220 yards (4.1 yards per carry) in 17 games with the Giants last season.

–Field Level Media

Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Giants road trip into San Francisco with Saquon Barkley hurting

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Daniel Jones tries to win road games in consecutive weeks for the first time on Thursday, when the New York Giants’ traveling party makes its way from Arizona to San Francisco.

The Giants rallied to beat the Cardinals 31-28 on Sunday and got comfortable in the Tempe area for an extra three nights while crossing their fingers running back Saquon Barkley’s health and hotel points balance are restored on a short week.

“I’m not saying that he’s out yet. He’s a quick healer. I’m not saying he’s in, he’s out,” Giants coach Brian Daboll said Tuesday. “We are going to take it all the way up with him to Thursday, but he feels a lot better today. I just talked to him. So, we will see where we are at.”

Barkley injured his ankle in the victory and needed assistance to reach the sideline after scoring a rushing touchdown and catching a 9-yard TD toss from Jones to help New York erase a 28-7 deficit. Barkley led the Giants in rushing (63 yards) and receiving (six receptions, tied with tight end Darren Waller).

“It’s tough,” Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke said. “(Defensive coordinator) Wink (Martindale) will always say he’s our best defensive player because when he’s on the field running the ball, we are on the sideline. Saquon is an incredible leader; this team is going to miss him, but we also have a ‘next man up’ mentality. Everybody has to in this league.”

San Francisco (2-0) knows the next man up at running back rather well. Matt Breida played for the 49ers from 2017-19 before being traded to the Miami Dolphins.

The 49ers have no injury concerns at running back. Christian McCaffrey, the NFL’s rushing leader (268 yards) by 88 yards through two games, is set to take on a Giants defense being hit for 4.6 yards per carry and 136.5 rushing yards per game. Martindale’s inventive fronts, including a two-man line for multiple snaps against the Cardinals, aren’t leading to much success or pressure on the quarterback to date.

The Giants are still looking for their first sack and takeaway this season. There is optimism from Daboll entering Thursday. The 49ers allowed 15 pressures Week 1 at Pittsburgh, but brought that number down to just six in Week 2, according to Pro Football Focus.

But it hasn’t helped that New York was outscored 46-0 in the first half by the Cowboys and Cardinals, all but erasing risk-taking from either offense. Dallas pitched a 40-0 shutout in Week 1.

While McCaffrey is a sure thing on Thursday night, the 49ers are planning to work Elijah Mitchell into the game plan. If nothing else, coach Kyle Shanahan said he wants to get McCaffrey more rest. He’s on pace for nearly 1,000 snaps in the regular season.

Shanahan expects defensive end Nick Bosa to continue making an impact — he had three pressures of Matthew Stafford in the 30-23 win over the Rams — even if it isn’t showing up on the stat sheet every week.

“He’s getting back into football shape, getting back into his groove,” Shanahan said. “He got better and stronger throughout the game, similar to last week in that aspect. He finished the game really strong and took a step forward from Pittsburgh.”

The Giants have allowed 10 sacks in two games and left tackle Andrew Thomas (hamstring) will be a game-time decision, Daboll said. While Bosa isn’t yet on the board, second-year defensive end Drake Jackson leads the team with three sacks.

49ers co-leader in receptions Brandon Aiyuk (shoulder) was among players dinged for San Francisco last week along with cornerbacks Ambry Thomas (knee) and Deommodore Lenoir (head). Aiyuk was limited Tuesday and is a game-time decision, Shanahan said.

–Field Level Media

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 17, 2023.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley (ankle) to be game-time call on Thursday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

There’s a chance Giants running back Saquon Barkley could play Thursday night when New York visits the San Francisco 49ers, despite spraining his right ankle on Sunday.

ESPN reported Monday that Barkley would miss three weeks. Coach Brian Daboll said Tuesday that Barkley will be a game-time decision against the 49ers (2-0).

“He’s a quick healer. I’m not saying he’s in, he’s out. We’re going to take it all the way up with him to Thursday. He feels a lot better today. I just talked to him. We’ll see where we’re at,” Daboll said.

Barkley, 26, hurt his right ankle during the Giants’ game-winning drive in a 31-28 road win over the Arizona Cardinals. He took a 2-yard carry up the middle and appeared to get his ankle caught under Arizona linebacker Krys Barnes with 1:08 left in the game.

Through two games, Barkley has rushed for 114 yards and one touchdown on 29 carries and caught nine passes for 41 yards and another score for the Giants (1-1).

Barkley missed time with ankle injuries in 2019 and 2021. His 2020 season was also cut short due to a torn ACL in Week 2.

If Barkley can’t play Thursday, running back Matt Breida would receive increased playing time. Breida, 28, carried the ball 54 times for 220 yards (4.1 yards per carry) in 17 games with the Giants last season.

–Field Level Media