Barkley says it's possible he plays vs. Patriots on TNF

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley believes he has a chance to suit up for Thursday night's matchup with the New England Patriots.

Barkley was reportedly given a return timetable of four-to-eight weeks after suffering an ankle injury Sept. 22. However, the 22-year-old is ready to defy the odds.

"I think so. I think so," Barkley told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Kimberly Jones on Friday. "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."

Barkley was spotted Wednesday already running and cutting to the side during New York's practice. He officially didn't participate in either Wednesday's or Thursday's session but was limited Friday.

The star back voiced his displeasure with what he perceived as inaccurate reports about the rehabilitation time for his high ankle sprain.

"How can anyone tell me how long I'm supposed to be out?" Barkley said. "Maybe because of my competitive nature. How are you going to tell me (that)? No one was in the doctor's office (with me), no one has seen my ankle, everyone's different.

"I think an important thing that Dr. Anderson and Dr. O'Malley said was, 'You treat the patient, not the injury.' When I heard that, I just took it to heart. ... Everyone's putting these messages out there and no one heard from my mouth that I'm out six-to-eight weeks. That made no sense at all."

With Barkley ruled out for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, the Giants will again rely on backup Wayne Gallman, who scored two touchdowns in the Week 4 win over the Washington Redskins.