When New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley erupted onto the scene as a rookie in 2018, many believed he was a shoo-in for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Barkley was also viewed as a golden goose in the fantasy football world, but that quickly spiraled into frustration for players. Since that magical 2018 season, Barkley has regressed each year as injuries piled up.
Over the past three seasons, Barkley has dealt with numerous injuries from a torn ACL to sprained ankles to hamstring issues. That has not only dropped his fantasy value, but it’s left players questioning his addition to their roster period.
But entering 2022, there is some renewed hope Barkley can turn back the clock. He appears fully healthy and will now be playing in an offense that is more suited for his style of play. Still, concerns over his injury history linger.
Dr. Edwin Porras and those over at Pro Football Focus believe now is the time to toss those concerns into the wind. If you’ve got a chance to draft Barkley this season, take it.
I personally spoke at length with Dr. Edwin Porras on the Fantasy Points Injury Prone Podcast about whether Barkley should be considered more at risk for future injury than other backs. The short and sweet answer: No.
Friends don’t let friends forget about Barkley’s ascension back to RB1 production prior to his complete fluke ankle sprain suffered in Week 5. The Giants understandably eased Barkley back into action during the first two weeks of the season before handing him a combined 42 carries and targets against the Falcons and Saints. All the former No. 2 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft did with the opportunity was peel off PPR RB9 and RB2 finishes, supplying one of the year’s best feel-good moments along the way.
There were still flashes of the old Saquon after he returned from injury (again) in Week 11. He ripped off a vintage jump-cut-filled burst against the Eagles in Week 12. Later Barkley demonstrated some route-running goodness on a touchdown catch against the Chargers.
PFF cautions that although fantasy players shouldn’t go into it expecting 2018-like production, they should confidently expect a healthier and more high-yielding season out of Barkley.
The Giants would welcome that as much as fantasy players would.
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