Saquon Barkley’s ankle injury: What is recovery time for sprained ankle?

Saquon Barkley, the New York Giants’ star running back, suffered a right ankle injury during Sunday’s thrilling victory against the Arizona Cardinals, leaving fans and the NFL community concerned about the extent of his injury and the potential duration of his absence from the field. As the Giants celebrate their epic comeback win, questions linger about Barkley’s road to recovery.

Dr. Jesse Morse, a renowned sports medicine and injury expert, provided insights into Barkley’s injury via Twitter, although it’s important to note that he hadn’t personally examined Barkley or reviewed his postgame X-rays. Dr. Morse’s assessment suggests that Barkley, at best, may have a high ankle sprain, a troublesome injury for running backs, especially if it’s not accompanied by a fracture.

In 2019, Barkley experienced a similar high ankle sprain to his right ankle, which sidelined him for three games. Upon his return, his performance was notably affected, and the injury continued to nag him throughout the season, hindering his ability to build on his impressive rookie year.

Dr. Morse’s analysis of Barkley’s latest injury indicates the possibility of a mild injury with an estimated recovery time of around two weeks. This assessment, however, rules out Barkley’s participation in the upcoming Thursday night game against the 49ers.

Looking ahead, the Giants’ schedule includes matchups against Seattle, Miami, and Buffalo, with the latter game scheduled for October 15. Notably, this timeline mirrors Barkley’s previous recovery from a high ankle sprain in 2019, provided there are no complications like a fracture.

As Barkley’s ankle may swell with time, his ability to put weight on it could become increasingly difficult due to ligament strain. Dr. Morse expressed skepticism about Barkley’s presence on the field in the upcoming week and emphasized the potential for a high ankle sprain.