Report: Barkley close to full clearance for Week 1

New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley is close to being cleared to play in the team's season opener against the Denver Broncos, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Barkley tore his ACL in Week 2 last season and has been eased back into football activities. He didn't participate in any preseason games.

The Giants will watch how the 24-year-old responds to practices this week before determining his availability for Sunday, Rapoport adds.

Head coach Joe Judge said a decision on Barkley won't be made until later in the week, according to Dan Salomone of Giants.com.

In his previous two seasons, Barkley rushed for a combined 2,310 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 and reached the Pro Bowl that season.

If Barkley is held out for Week 1, veteran Devontae Booker would step into the starting role.

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