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New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley was the second-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Barkley had an outstanding college career, totaling 671 rushing attempts for 3,843 yards and 43 touchdowns in three years at Penn State.
The former Nittany Lion had an excellent rookie season, totaling 261 rushing attempts for 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also had 91 receptions on 121 targets for 721 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 16 games. Unfortunately, the superstar running back has struggled with injuries.
Barkley missed three games the following year with a high ankle sprain. He also missed 14 games in 2020 with a torn ACL. However, the superstar running back stayed healthy last season, totaling 295 rushing attempts for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns.
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Is Saquon Barkley Injured Or Healthy?
Fantasy players had high hopes for Barkley this season. While his Week 1 performance was limited because of the blowout loss, the superstar was outstanding in Week 2.
The former Penn State star had 17 rushing attempts for 63 yards and a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. Barkley also caught six of seven targets for 29 receiving yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, he suffered a scary-looking ankle injury late in the fourth quarter.
While many feared the injury could be season-ending, the superstar running back only suffered an ordinary ankle sprain. The injury will knock him out for the next few weeks. However, it could have been much worse for Barkley.
Who Should I Pickup Off The Waiver Wire?
The Giants will turn to Matt Breida, Gary Brightwell, and Eric Gray in the backfield.
Fantasy players will want to spend a significant amount of their free agent acquisition budget (FAAB) on Breida. However, that would be a mistake. The Giants will use all three running backs until Barkley can return to the field.
Instead, fantasy players should target Zack Moss off the waiver wire. The veteran running back is available in over 65% of ESPN leagues. Last week, he was the clear-cut featured running back for the Indianapolis Colts. Moss played all but one of the snaps. He had every rushing attempt and target by a running back in the game.
Reportedly, Jonathan Taylor will make his season debut in Week 5, crushing Moss' fantasy value. However, that will be around when Barkley returns from the ankle injury, making Moss the perfect short-term replacement option.
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