The last we heard about New York Giants Giants running back Saquon Barkley, it was looking like the Denver Broncos would not have to face the star in week one of the 2021 season. Those chances have since changed.
According to the New York Giants Twitter account, Barkley returned to practice on Monday. This comes 11 months after the star running back tore his ACL.
If this holds up and the Denver Broncos do face Barkley, it will be interesting to see if he is in enough shape to make a difference against the Broncos. The Broncos’ defensive line has evolved into a strong asset for the team and facing a player like Barkley early in the season could either be great or end up being bad news.
Let me explain.
How could it be good? Well, since there are only two preseason games this year, it lessens the chances of players getting severely injured, and the potential of missing the game could go way down. Mike Purcell, a phenomenal defender against the run, suffered an ankle injury at the end of July, but head coach Vic Fangio said Purcell could return soon.
Barkley is absolutely a top-5 running back in the NFL. Even though we don’t know how he will be when he returns from the ACL injury, it’s a safer bet to assume that he will be just as good as before the injury. Barkley is obviously the Giants’ number one running back and facing him would be a great test for the Broncos.
Hopefully, the Broncos will be able to stay healthy from now until week one (and obviously further into the season). Purcell, along with Shelby Harris, and DeShawn Williams are a great trio of players. Add McTelvin Agim into the mix and this defensive front could be the best in the league by the end of the season.
That won’t be the case without facing quality talent such as Barkley.
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Even if Barkley does play and lights the Broncos’ defense up, it still could teach the Broncos some different things and ways to improve on their run defense. I personally do not believe that they’ll need that sort of wake-up call. Bring on Saquon Barkley and the New York Giants.