Saquon Barkley 'Unlikely to Play' vs. Patriots Due to High Ankle Sprain

Giants running back Saquon Barkley is "unlikely to play" against the Patriots on Thursday, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan.

Barkley suffered a high ankle sprain in New York's Week 3 win over the Buccaneers in September. He was expected to miss up to six weeks with the injury but reportedly hopes to make an early return to the field before midseason.

New York's offense continues to be hit by the injury bug aside from Barkley. Wide receiver Sterling Shepard is out against New England due to a concussion, and tight end Evan Engram may miss Thursday's matchup with a sprained MCL, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

In addition to WR Sterling Shepard being out Thursday at New England and RB Saquon Barkley being unlikely to play, there’s also a real chance the Giants will be without TE Evan Engram, who is dealing with a sprained MCL, per source. It’ll be a challenge for Engram to play at NE.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 8, 2019

Barkley was drafted with the No. 2 pick in the 2018 draft. He amassed 2,028 yards from scrimmage last season, leading the NFL. Barkley has tallied 237 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown in 2019.

New York enters Thursday's matchup third in the NFC East at 2–3. The Patriots are the AFC's lone undefeated team at 5–0.