Saquon Barkley still unsure of Week 1 status

“When it comes to rehab, rehab is never a straight line.”

Saquon Barkley still does not know if he will be ready for training camp or the regular season.

Speaking with reporters at his youth football camp this Monday, the star New York Giants running back remained noncommittal about a return date from an ACL tear suffered last September.

“I guess that’s the theme of the summer, going to be when I’ll be back,” Barkley said. “But no, I don’t have that answer, to be honest. I’m not trying to lead it up to it or something like that or put something up. I don’t have the answer. It’s a fun process, but it’s a tough process at the same time. Just have to continue to listen to my body, listen to my trainers, listen to the coaches and take it day by day.”

Barkley was moving well and ran some drills with the kids in attendance. Though earlier reports suggested that Barkley would be limited in training camp — which begins on July 27 — it now seems unlikely that he will appear at all.

“Kind of have to play that by ear,” Barkley said of his expectations. “When it comes to rehab, rehab is never a straight line. Just play that by ear. Listen to your body, and whatever your body is telling you, go with that.”

Barkley has given similarly vague answers about his recovery throughout the summer, but they were usually a bit more optimistic. Just last week he said he was “eager” to get back on the field.

The Giants open the season at home against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 12. Barkley would be the focal point of their offense if healthy, but ensuring a return to his old form is more important than rushing him along.