Saquon Barkley Says He Won't Get Shut Down for the Rest of the Season

Despite his struggles this season, Giants running back Saquon Barkley isn't open to the idea of being shut down.

Barkley missed three games last month due to a high ankle sprain and reportedly had an MRI on his shoulder after the Giants' 34–27 loss to the Jets last Sunday. ESPN reports his shoulder is expected to be fine.

When asked about the possibility of missing the rest of the season, Barkley dismissed the idea.

"The mindset of sitting me out and resting me for the rest of the season is beyond me," he said, per ESPN. "I do not agree with it. It won't happen. I'm going to keep going until I can't go no more. That's the player I am and I'm going to do it for my teammates."

Since his return, Barkley has averaged only 2.6 yards per carry in four games compared to the 6.4 yards he averaged in the first three weeks of the season. He also recorded a career-low one yard on 13 carries in the loss against the Jets.

Despite the rough day on Sunday, the Pro Bowler said his health was not the cause.

"What's not being myself? Yes, I do feel like myself," Barkley said. "I would love to go for 100 yards every game. I would love to be doing the things I was doing last year. Trust me. I don't like the fact I was able to have 1 yard against a great team–respect to them–but I feel if you see me get into open space I was still making people miss."

The Giants have a bye this week before playing their final six games of the season. The team could let Saquon miss the rest of the season to give his body a break, but coach Pat Shurmur isn't having it. 

"Absolutely not," he said.

The Giants are 2–8 and play the Bears when they return from the bye week.