Denver Broncos may not have to face Saquon Barkley in Week 1

Though the preseason is yet to get underway for the 2021 NFL season, preparations are already being made for the regular season to start.

The Denver Broncos open the 2021 season against the New York Giants and though it’s always hard to know what to expect in the first game of the season, the Giants could be without one of their top players for that game.

Barkley suffered a torn ACL and was lost for the season last year and may not be ready to start the 2021 season as the team placed him on the PUP list ahead of the start of training camp. This may not be seen as a surprise given the fact that Barkley didn’t have surgery until late October, but it’s possible he could be kept off the field going into the season as the Giants protect their best player.

The Broncos released their PUP list ahead of camp and there were some notable names left off of it, which is a great sign.

It seems that Barkley is not even sure if he will be ready to play in the opener. Perhaps even if he does, he may be limited or on a “pitch count”.

If Barkley is out, who do the Giants have at running back?

This would obviously work in the favor of the Broncos, who will be the road team in the opener. But without Barkley, the Giants are a lot less scary. Barkley is easily one of the league’s most dynamic players, but injuries have been an issue in his young career.

Without Barkley, the Giants’ starting running back would figure to be former Broncos running back Devontae Booker, who of course has hurt his former team before.

This will be something to keep an eye on because when looking at the Broncos’ schedule, the road game in Week 1 against the Giants is arguably the most difficult game in the first three weeks for Denver.

The Giants will obviously do whatever they can to get Barkley on the field for this one, but they know with his injury history, it will be best to take a safe approach.

The Broncos would have a lot less to worry about if he were to miss this game.