Week 2 Rapid Reaction: Saquon Barkley
Week 2 was filled with amazing highlights as well as some dreadful news. The theme of the week was injuries, and one of the most critical to a team’s success was the Giants running back: Saquon Barkley. From a fantasy perspective many teams have lost their top running back for the year. It was confirmed early in the day on Monday, September 21st that Barkley tore his ACL and his 2020 campaign was over before it began. Barkley was drafted as the number 2 or 3 overall pick in most fantasy football drafts. He was a 1,000-yard rusher with a combined 8 touchdowns last year and deserved manager’s attention at the top of draft boards.
No one plans for an injury to occur, especially to such a talented player, but now these owners must find a replacement. In all honesty, that’s going to be hard to do from the waiver wire. Most running back options that would be in consideration for the weekly plug and play are a part of a committee.
Now let’s examine your options:
The G-MEN or should I say G-MAN, Wayne Gallman showed flashes last season when Barkley missed some time. In Week 4 last season, Gallman rushed for 63 yards and a touchdown along with six catches for 55 yards and another score. Once Barkley had returned though he once again became a non-factor.
Dion Lewis may be the running back that most people will be looking to add, mainly because of his upside as a receiver in an offense that will likley be playing a lot of catch-up this season. The only concern here is his lack of ability to be a workhorse back. After Barkley went down he rushed 10 times for 20 yards. Just something to keep in mind.
Options outside the Giants roster:
Outside of immediate backups on the Giants’ roster, this is where you may have to get creative and even just throw a dart when dealing with committees. A running back from either the Rams or 49ers could be a viable option given circumstances week in and week out. At this point you are in desperation mode, why not consider at least one player from these backfields who have shown that multiple backs can be effective in fantasy.
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This was my rapid reaction to the situation surrounding Saquon Barkley and thanks for reading. If there are any other players you would like my take on, shoot me a DM, or tag me in a post. Follow me on Twitter at @Shawn_Sulli5.
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