Saquon Barkley and Darren look to be on track to play for the Giants in Week 17 against the Rams.
At this point in the season, the New York Giants are just playing for pride. However, the Giants would be much more palatable on offense with Saquon Barkley and Darren Waller in the lineup.
Both Barkley and Waller practiced in full on Thursday, via NFL.com’s injury roundup. Barkley was dealing with an elbow injury while Waller had a knee ailment.
Despite their injuries, both players were active for New York’s Week 16 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. While it was a valiant effort, the Giants fell 33-25, dropping their record to 5-10 on the season. Barkley ran 23 times for 80 yards and a touchdown while Waller had just two catches for 32 yards.
New York hasn’t found much offensive success in 2023. But when they did, Barkley or Waller was likely at the center of it. Barkley has been far and away the team’s leading rusher with no other player having more than 55 carries. He has turned that into 877 yards and four touchdowns. Waller ranks second on the team in receptions (42) and yards (456).
The Giants will have a decision to make when it comes to Saquon Barkley at the end of the season. After a much ballyhooed about contract disagreement, New York will once again be forced to either pay Barkley or watch him walk. Waller is under contract long-term and a likely stable of NY’s passing game barring a cut in spending.
But whatever comes in Darren Waller and Barkley’s future will be the future. For now, they both look healthy enough to play in the Giants’ Week 17 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.