Despite spraining his ankle in Week 2, New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley could see the field Thursday against the 49ers in an NFC showdown at Levi's Stadium.
Giants coach Brian Daboll said Barkley's availability for "Thursday Night Football" will be a game-time decision.
“I’m not saying that he’s out yet,” Daboll said Tuesday morning (h/t SNY Giants). “He’s a quick healer. I’m not saying he’s in, he’s out. We’re gonna take it all the way up with him to Thursday. He feels a lot better today. I just talked to him, so we’ll see where we’re at.”
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Barkley sustained the injury in the fourth quarter of New York's 31-28 comeback victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. He had 17 carries for 63 rushing yards along with six receptions for 29 yards and two total touchdowns.
The next day, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, citing sources, that an MRI showed Barkley suffered an "ordinary" ankle sprain, as opposed to a high-ankle sprain, and is expected to miss the next three weeks.
If Barkley does in fact play in San Francisco's home opener, that changes everything for the 49ers, who are hoping to maintain their undefeated record to start the 2023 NFL season.
San Francisco 49ers
Nonetheless, both teams must prepare for whether Barkley is in or out, and they don't have much time to do so.