Could Saquon Barkley return from injury Week 6 vs. Patriots? Giants RB responds

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley suffered an ankle sprain in his team's Week 3 win, and initial reports suggested he could miss six to eight weeks as a result.

Barkley's timetable to return seems much sooner than six to eight weeks, however, In fact, it's possible the star running back could come back as early as Thursday night's Week 6 game against the undefeated New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

"I think so. I think so," Barkley recently told NFL Network when asked if it was possible he plays versus the Patriots.

"Just continue to attack rehab in the right way and when it's meant to be, it's meant to be. ... I mean, that would be awesome. Not just Tom Brady but the fact that it's the Patriots. Are they the best team in the NFL right now? You could argue that, right? Most people would probably say they are the best in the NFL. So, to be able to have the opportunity to play against a team like that, on Thursday night, go to New England, would be dope."

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Sounds like he's really hoping to play.

Barkley enjoyed one of the finest rookie seasons by a running back in NFL history in 2018. He ran for 1,307 yards with 11 touchdowns, in addition to tallying 91 receptions for 721 yards and four receiving touchdowns. The 22-year-old has run for 237 yards and a touchdown in three games this season.