Saquon Barkley critical of himself over hamstring injury

Saquon Barkley left practice on Monday with a hamstring injury that has been described as fairly minor, but the rookie feels it could have been avoided altogether if he had done more to prevent it.

While speaking with reporters on Thursday about his strained hamstring, Barkley seemingly blamed himself for the injury.

“Something like this happens and you have so much time to reflect, so you reflect on things you could have done differently,” he said, via Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. “I probably could have done everything differently, a little more of this, a little more of that. Continue to grow and be a vet in that area and be a pro.”

A lot of players would chalk a hamstring injury up to bad luck, but Barkley obviously feels he is responsible for whatever happens to his own body. While he will not play in Friday night’s preseason game against the Detroit Lions, the former Penn State star insists he is working on everything he can even while resting his hamstring.

“My hamstring might be hurt, but that’s not going to stop my hands, not stop my arms, or even really I can do stuff with my hamstring whether it’s in the weight room or extra stuff in therapy or treatment,” Barkley said. “Catching balls, being locked into plays, even though I’m not able to practice, I’m not going to let this be a negative setback. I’m going to let it be a positive and continue to grow from it and be a better player from it.”

We know one fitness guru who works with NFL players would be proud of Barkley for insisting he could have prevented his injury, and you have to love the work ethic. Even if Barkley’s injury was nothing more than bad luck, Giants fans should like the fact that he is holding himself accountable.