EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — For just a moment, during a joint practice with the Jets at the end of August, Giants running back Saquon Barkley reversed time.
In 11-on-11 drills, he collected a handoff, cut back from the line of scrimmage and swiftly evaded a defender for a modest gain. The play itself was flashy but, more important for Barkley, it was uneventful.
His right knee, surgically repaired in 2020, did not buckle. His ankles, which troubled him in 2019 and again last season, did not roll. Instead, Barkley displayed long-forgotten speed and ably changed direction in ways that were reminiscent of his 2018 season, when he rushed for 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns and created highlights by often not surrendering on first contact.