New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is facing another setback in his career as he deals with a high ankle sprain, according to a report by Prime Video's Taylor Rooks. Initially believed to be a normal ankle sprain, Barkley's injury is now confirmed to be a high ankle sprain, which typically requires a longer recovery time. Despite the injury not being as severe as it could have been, Barkley will be sitting out of the Giants' upcoming "Thursday Night Football" game against the San Francisco 49ers.

The injury occurred during the Giants' game-winning drive in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals, where Barkley played a crucial role in the team's 31-28 victory. While he won't be able to contribute on the field for the next game, Barkley remains hopeful that the extended recovery time until their next game on Monday night will allow him to fully heal and return to his peak performance level.

This injury brings back memories of Barkley's previous high ankle sprain in the 2021 season, which occurred on the same ankle. The All-Pro back missed four games and had to go through a lengthy rehab process before returning to the field. However, he was never able to fully regain his previous form until the following season. Giants fans are undoubtedly concerned about Barkley's ability to bounce back from this injury, knowing how it affected his performance in the past.

According to an MRI, Barkley's sprained ankle will keep him sidelined for approximately three weeks. This means he will miss the upcoming games against tough opponents, including the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Miami Dolphins. Barkley's absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Giants, as his versatility as a running back creates difficulties for opposing defenses.

The Giants' recent victory against the Cardinals came at a cost, with Barkley suffering the ankle injury during the game-winning drive. X-rays taken immediately after the game came back negative, but the subsequent MRI revealed the extent of the sprain. Head coach Brian Daboll expressed hope that Barkley's absence wouldn't have a significant impact on the team, but it's clear that losing their star running back will be challenging for the Giants.

In Barkley's absence, the Giants will rely on the trio of Matt Breida, Gary Brightwell, and rookie Eric Gray to fill the void. However, their combined experience and production this season are limited, making Barkley's absence even more crucial.

Barkley's injury history has been a cause for concern, with a torn ACL in 2020 and various other injuries throughout his rookie contract. This offseason, negotiations for a long-term extension between Barkley and the Giants fell through, partly due to the risk associated with the running back position and its susceptibility to injuries.

While Barkley's injury is classified as “ordinary” compared to a high ankle sprain, his recovery process will be closely monitored. The Giants will need to find the right balance between allowing Barkley to heal fully and not rushing his return, as history has shown that he struggles to regain his form when returning from injuries too quickly.

The Giants will face an uphill battle in Barkley's absence, especially against tough opponents like the 49ers and Seahawks. Barkley's presence on the field is crucial to the team's success, and his ability to showcase his skills could potentially secure him a long-term contract in the future. However, injuries have hindered his progress and the Giants' aspirations of returning to the playoffs.

As Barkley focuses on his recovery, the Giants will need to find alternative strategies and players to compensate for his absence. The coming weeks will be a test for the team's depth and their ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.