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The excitement generated by the return of Saquon Barkley does not mean Devontae Booker’s days of carrying the ball for the Giants are over and done. Booker did enough as a fill-in starter at running back to warrant time in the backfield in some sort of shared role with Barkley.
“The focus for us will be more in terms of just splitting the time in terms of sharing it and making sure we’re fresh,’’ coach Joe Judge said Wednesday. “I don’t really go into a game ever looking that we have to get this guy this many reps, this guy this many reps, this guy this many touches. It’s, ‘Let’s keep our guys fresh.’ ’’
Barkley missed the past four games with a sprained ankle. Booker had a career-high 99 rushing yards and added three receptions for 23 yards in the victory over the Raiders but was forced out of that game with a hip issue. He was cleared to go back in that game but did not. He did not practice on Wednesday.
Barkley this past Monday participated in his first practice since suffering the sprained ankle Week 5 in Dallas and responded well to that physical load. He was involved in the two walk-throughs the Giants had on Wednesday and is expected to work the entire week leading into Monday night’s game at Tampa Bay.
Judge said he is “very encouraged’’ with what he has seen from Barkley.
LT Andrew Thomas was designated to return off injured reserve, where he had been since Oct. 19. He missed four of the past five games with foot and ankle issues, and was walking gingerly as he made it out to the field. He did not practice on Wednesday. Judge said the plan is to get Thomas involved later in the week. Having an extra day to prepare this week benefits Thomas, but there is no certainty he will be able to play Monday.
WR Sterling Shepard (quad) is not ready to make his return. He went off to work with trainers as his teammates stretched for practice. … K Graham Gano and LB Lorenzo Carter are dealing with stomach bugs and both were told to stay out of the facility.
Buccaneers outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul continues to do his thing while fighting through injuries. Now 32, Pierre-Paul — the Giants’ first-round pick in 2010 — has missed just two games this season despite dealing with a finger broken in two places and a torn rotator cuff. It is no wonder his production is down: 2.5 sacks, four quarterback hits and three tackles for loss.
“He’s just a tremendous warrior,’’ Bucs coach Bruce Arians said. “I mean, he’s playing with a bad shoulder right now and practices a little bit during the week and plays on Sundays. He’s the ultimate warrior. I’ve never been around a guy who can play injured like JPP can and still plays with a ton of energy and plays good.’’
LB Benardrick McKinney was added to the active roster on Wednesday. He was elevated from the practice squad three times — that is the limit — and played in the past three games, with nine tackles in 60 defensive snaps. … RB Jonathan Williams was signed to the practice squad. Williams, 27, has played in 28 games for the Bills, Colts, Saints and Lions, rushing for 334 yards and two touchdowns.
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