RB Barkley back in practice for Giants

Rookie running back Saquon Barkley was back at practice on Wednesday for the first time in over a week, albeit on a limited basis.

Barkley had missed the last eight practices after suffering a hamstring strain.

"Felt good, felt good to actually get to participate in [individual drills] a little bit and practice drills," Barkley told reporters afterward. "Feeling strong and continuing to strengthen it. Like I said, the strength staff and trainers are doing a great job with me, conditioning me a little bit over there too, making sure I'm going to continue to get ready for the game or next time I'm able to play."

Barkley added that he feels close to 100 percent, but is trusting the trainers to make sure he doesn't suffer a setback by returning too early.

On Tuesday, quarterback Eli Manning lamented the lack of reps for the Giants' first-round pick (No. 2 overall).

"Now Saquon, that's different, just because he's a rookie and missing some valuable time," said Manning, who had previously said he wasn't worried about star wideout Odell Beckham Jr. missing preseason games. "So I know he's getting mental reps. It's different than practice reps; it's different than game reps. Hopefully he can get back soon."

Asked if he would be comfortable and prepared if he doesn't play again until the regular season, Barkley said he hopes to play sooner but will be ready when called upon.

"When my time is called and when I'm able to play, I gotta be 100 percent ready for it," he said.

Head coach Pat Shurmur has been cautious about rushing Barkley back and is focused on having him ready for Week 1. Per Shurmur, Barkley was limited to individual drills in Wednesday's practice.

Beckham, who had a torn hamstring as a rookie and missed all of training camp plus the first four regular-season games, said he encouraged Barkley not to rush back.

"Like I told him, you take your time. There is nothing you need to prove to any of us," Beckham said. "There is nothing you need to prove to anyone. Not yourself. You know what you're capable of. I know what you're capable of. We know what you're capable of. It's about getting healthy."

--Field Level Media

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)