New York Giants' Barkley Among a Dozen with COVID

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 03: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants catches a pass for a touchdown in the game against the New Orleans Saints in overtime at Caesars Superdome on October 03, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley might be sidelined again this week, but it might not just be for an ankle injury.

Barkley was one of 13 Giants who tested posted for COVID-19. Other notable members of the team include safety Xavier McKinney and offensive lineman Matt Skura. Barkley and McKinney were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

The good news is that both Barkley and Skura are vaccinated, meaning that they will need to test negative twice within the next 24 hours to be eligible to play.

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The Giants have been without Barkley since a Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys when the star running back left game with an ankle injury after his leg was stepped on.

The Giants host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. It's been two very difficult years for Barkely, who hasn't seen the field much. In 2020 he missed the entire season with a knee injury he suffered in a Week 2 loss to the Chic

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 28: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers prepares for a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. Green Bay won 24-21. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

ago Bears. This year he's played in only five games.

Barkley hasn't played a complete season since his rookie year of 2018 when he ran for over 1300 yards. He has only 224 yards rushing in the last two seasons combined.

Barkley is the second high profile player to get COVID this week. Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers contracted COVID and will not play this week against the Kansas City Chiefs. In fact there is an investigation being conducted by the League as to whether Rodgers and the Packers violated any rules regarding COVID protocols.

Rodgers claimed he was vaccinated, but according to the League's rules, he is not fully vaccinated. Since he is unvaccinated, Rodgers isn't eligible to play again until November 13.

It has been a wild year for Rodgers, who started the year stating he didn't want to play for the Packers.

Michael CohenWriter

Michael Cohen is the News and Sports Director at Fox Sports Radio New Jersey and Magic 98.3 FM, as well as a radio production assistant with Fox and Magic in New Jersey. He started his career in Somerset in 2018 initially as a news fill-in at WCTC 1450 AM, and soon moved up to higher responsibilities in the ensuing years, assuming News & Sports Director title in 2021Prior to his time with Fox Sports New Jersey, Michael was play-by-play voice for New Jersey Jackals baseball, and as well as play-by-play and color for the College of Staten Island basketball (men and women), softball and baseball. Michael began his career as a news and sportswriter with the Jersey Journal of Hudson County.