Report: Barkley believes he can beat 4-8 week injury timetable

Initial reports suggested Saquon Barkley will miss four-to-eight weeks with a high ankle sprain, but the New York Giants running back is aiming for a much quicker return.

Barkley is telling people he can beat that timetable and get back on the field earlier than anticipated, according to NFL Network's Kim Jones and Ian Rapoport.

However, the Giants will remain cautious with their star tailback, Jones adds.

Barkley received a second opinion on the injury, and he won't need surgery. Head coach Pat Shurmur refused to put an official time frame on the 22-year-old's recovery.

Third-year pro Wayne Gallman will lead New York's backfield in Barkley's absence.