The Giants pulled off an improbable comeback win in Arizona last week, but it was a bit of a pyrrhic victory, as star running back Saquon Barkley was forced out in the fourth quarter due to an ankle injury. Originally, it didn't seem like Barkley had a chance of suiting up for Week 3's Thursday Night Football game in San Francisco, but recent reports suggest Barkley could still get on the field. Staying on top of the latest updates will be key ahead of your first start 'em, sit 'em decision of the week.
We'll continue to update this article with news on Barkley until the official active/inactive report comes out on Thursday around 6:50 p.m. ET.
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Is Saquon Barkley playing Thursday night Week 3?
UPDATE 9/20: After initially saying they would take it up until game-time to make a decision, the Giants have officially ruled OUT Barkley for Thursday night, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. They have also announced that left tackle Andrew Thomas and left guard Ben Bredeson will also be OUT, leaving New York missing both of its starters on the left side of the offensive line. Matt Breida will take over as RB1 until Barkley returns, but his ceiling is capped behind a poor line in front of him on Thursday against a dominant 49ers defense.
After suffering a nasty-looking ankle injury late in Sunday's game against Arizona, it was initially believed Barkley would miss the next two or three games. However, Giants' coach Brian Daboll said on Tuesday that Barkley is "not...out yet" for Thursday night's game against San Francisco, adding that the star running back is a "quick healer."
It still seems unlikely that Barkley will suit up on Thursday, but his owners will apparently have to watch for his official injury designation on Wednesday afternoon.
WEEK 3 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Should you start Saquon Barkley in fantasy if he plays in Week 3?
Barkley will present a start 'em, sit 'em headache whether he's active or not. San Francisco is tied for the No. 1 run defense through two weeks, allowing just 41 rushing yards per game, and Barkley hasn't exactly impressed as a runner, posting 114 yards on 29 carries.
However, he's also added nine catches and scored twice. He remains a dynamic, versatile back who can rack up fantasy points in a variety of ways. Even at less than 100 percent in an unfavorable matchup, Barkley is a must-start as long as he's active. There's an obvious risk here, but chances are, you'd be taking a risk with whoever you start in Barkley's place.
WEEK 3 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Which Giants' RB is the best fantasy play if Saquon Barkley is out in Week 3?
If Barkley is out, Matt Breida is the expected starter. Gary Brightwell and rookie Eric Gray will also factor into the mix, making this an impossible situation to figure out. We already mentioned how good San Francisco is against the run, so expecting Breida to break out and provide even flex-worthy production seems like a stretch.
You might be forced to start him in 12- or 14-team leagues, and if that's the case, you just have to hope for a big play or touchdown. Breida has always been a home run hitter in the past, so some garbage-time production is certainly possible, but if you can, sit this one out if Barkley is inactive.
