Giants 9/6 practice report: Saquon Barkley update, tight end shortage, more

Saquon Barkley’s status, the naming of captains, and a shortage of tight ends were among the primary topics Monday as the New York Giants returned to work following a three-day break.

Saquon’s status

A report on Monday indicated that Saquon Barkley was “close” to being cleared to play Sunday against the Denver Broncos. That, though, does not seem likely to happen until the Giants see how Barkley comes through Wednesday’s padded practice.

“That [whether Barkley plays Sunday vs. the Denver Broncos] won’t be decided until later in the week,” said head coach Joe Judge. “I want to see how he responds to a couple things physically within his body and make the best assessment going forward for him this weekend and going forward past that.’

Tight end shortage

Somehow, the Giants have arrived at a situation where the healthiest tight end on the 53-man roster is veteran Kyle Rudolph, who had foot surgery this offseason and was on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list until two weeks ago.

The Giants have three tight ends on the roster, and per reporters who saw the beginning of Thursday’s practice, Rudolph was the only one participating. Evan Engram (calf) and Kaden Smith (unknown) were said to be working with trainers.

There are three tight ends — Jake Hausmann, Ryan Izzo and Chris Myarick — on the practice squad. As of now, it would seem a safe bet that at least one of those players will be part of the game day roster on Sunday vs. the Denver Broncos.

Tweet of the day

Captains named

Giants captains for 2021 will be Logan Ryan, Blake Martinez, Jabrill Peppers, Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley, Nick Gates and Graham Gano. Coach Joe Judge announced the captains at the end of Monday’s practice.

Etc.

• New Giants offensive lineman Billy Price has cleared COVID-19 protocols and was on the field with the team on Monday for the first time. [Stapleton]
• After a three-day break, no players tested positive on Monday for COVID-19. [Rock]