In a jaw-dropping turn of events, the New York Giants etched their name in franchise history by mounting a monumental comeback, erasing a 21-point deficit to secure a heart-pounding 31-28 victory over the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. While the win filled the air with exhilaration, it was tainted by the looming uncertainty surrounding star running back Saquon Barkley’s ankle injury.
Barkley, a central figure in the Giants’ resurgence, found the end zone twice in the game, displaying his exceptional versatility with a rushing and a receiving touchdown. However, the triumph was marred by the distressing possibility of losing Barkley to an ankle injury. On Monday, the running back is scheduled to undergo an MRI in Arizona to assess the extent of the injury and the potential duration of his absence, according to sources close to the situation.
As Barkley gingerly left the field, it was evident that the ankle injury had taken its toll. The initial assessment, as indicated by sources, leans towards the injury being a “regular sprain” rather than a more severe high-ankle sprain. X-rays conducted post-game on the ankle yielded negative results, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.
When questioned about the severity of Barkley’s injury, Giants’ head coach Brian Daboll remained cautious, stating, “I don’t know yet.”
Barkley, for his part, opted not to comment on the injury. The unfortunate incident occurred as his ankle twisted awkwardly at the bottom of a pile following a rush up the middle with just over a minute remaining.
The Giants face a tight schedule with a quick turnaround this week. They will remain in Arizona before setting out for San Francisco on Wednesday in preparation for their Thursday night clash with the 49ers. Subsequently, they enjoy an 11-day break before hosting the Seattle Seahawks on October 2, in a “Monday Night Football” showdown at MetLife Stadium.
Barkley, 26, is currently playing under a revised franchise tag, making his performance this season crucial for his future as a free agent.
It is important to note that Barkley has a history of ankle injuries. In 2019, he missed three games due to a right ankle injury, and in 2021, he sat out four games with a left ankle injury. An extended absence could not only impact Barkley’s contract prospects but also the long-term outlook for the Giants.
In the face of adversity, the Giants managed to salvage their season. After suffering a demoralizing 40-0 defeat at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys the previous week, New York found themselves staring at a daunting 20-0 deficit against the Cardinals. The 60 points allowed by the Giants before scoring their first point of the season marked the second-highest total surrendered at the beginning of a season since the 1970 merger, surpassed only by the 1978 Baltimore Colts (86).
The Giants’ remarkable comeback, overcoming a 21-point deficit, was a historic feat achieved only for the third time in their history. Similar comebacks were executed during the 1945 and 1947 seasons. Quarterback Daniel Jones played a pivotal role in the resurgence, orchestrating a spectacular second half. He threw for two touchdowns and added another with his legs.
The turning point in the game came with a stunning 58-yard pass from Jones to rookie Jalin Hyatt on the first offensive play of the second half. Jones reflected on the comeback, saying, “We always remained confident. It was getting back to simple execution: trusting it, seeing it and ripping it. We had some opportunities to make plays in the first half. We didn’t do it. I knew they’d be there. I just had to execute and give our guys a chance to make those plays. We did it and built on that.”
The Giants’ offensive explosion in the second half, amassing 358 yards compared to a mere 81 in the first, was a testament to their resilience and determination.
Coach Daboll summed up the victory, stating, “The finish that these guys had … it was good to get a win.”
While the Giants celebrate their historic comeback, the cloud of uncertainty surrounding Saquon Barkley’s ankle injury remains. Giants fans and football enthusiasts alike anxiously await the MRI results, hoping for a positive outcome for the star running back and his team’s future prospects.
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