Saquon Barkley will reportedly avoid surgery for injured ankle

The New York Giants can breathe a small sigh of relief.

That’s because, per multiple reports, superstar running back Saquon Barkley will not need surgery to repair his injured ankle.

The Giants and fans alike have been holding their breath regarding Barkley’s health since the running back went down following a hard hit along the sideline in the Giants’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Barkley was in obvious pain following the hit and needed the help of two trainers to get off the field and into the locker room. He returned to the sidelines on crutches later in the game wearing a walking boot, and the Giants diagnosed him with a high ankle sprain.

Barkley met with a specialist for a second opinion following Monday’s MRI to confirm that there was no damage done beyond the sprain and he got the good news that he will not need surgery.

The Giants have also said that they have plans to put Barkley on the injured reserve, suggesting that they expect him back in less than the 8 weeks that the IR would sideline him. The team will still likely need to find temporary help at running back — and to make a corresponding roster move with Barkley still on the 53-man roster — as their only healthy back is Wayne Gallman. The team can’t go into the coming weeks with just one true running back, but we will have to wait and see what their next move will be.

But at least we got good news about Barkley.