Saquon Barkley returned, but top-form Saquon Barkley still is missing in action.

In other words, the Giants played with their star running back Monday night for the first time in five games, but Barkley didn’t perform in a 30-10 loss to the Buccaneers like he has at his best in the past — or even like he did right before he injured his ankle.

Related players: Devontae Booker

Barkley said it was good to be back but as the story said he didn't get enough touches, six rushes for 25 yards and six catches for 31 yards. Barkley added, "I’m going to do whatever it takes to get my brain and my feet and my legs caught up together." The good news for Barkley owners is Booker carried just three times and had only one catch on MNF. There was talk Barkley wouldn't ever get the type of workload he got in the past but in his first game back he certainly got a big majority of the RB touches at least.

Saquon Barkley might finally be past his latest injury. He's reportedly expected to suit up on Monday night though, per Jordan Raanan of ESPN, when the Giants visit Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to close out the Week 11 slate of games.

The 24-year-old suffered a severe ankle sprain in Week 5 after taking only two handoffs against the Dallas Cowboys, on a play that saw him roll his ankle on the leg of cornerback Jourdan Lewis. He was immediately helped off of the field before seeing his ankle balloon massively with swelling and being ruled out shortly thereafter, having not taken the field for the Giants since, the story said. The Giants are hoping Barkley is finally healthy for the final stretch of the 2021 season.

Sterling Shepard (quad) returned to practice on Friday so there was a chance he'd return but was ruled out for Monday's matchup against Tampa Bay. Saquon Barkley (ankle) practiced all week and looks likely to return while Devontae Booker (hip) was added to the report today. Both are ruled as questionable and create two situations to monitor up to game time. The Buccaneers' defense boasts a tough front seven but their secondary is banged up.

This boosts the opportunity for Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney with Shepard out, while the running back situation would figure to be closer to an even split if both backs become active. Saquon hasn't played since Week 4

Giants RBs Saquon Barkley (ankle) and Devontae Booker (hip) were limited Friday, while WR Sterling Shepard (quad) made an appearance but was listed as 'Did Not Participate.'

It appears the running backs are trending towards playing, while Shepard is at least another week away.

Saquon Barkley looks good. Trending well toward Bucs return.

Related players: Devontae Booker

It's a potentially tough matchup for Barkley in his return and perhaps facing an angry Bucs team following an unexpected loss to Washington. Ironically, the tweet went on to say RBs Booker, and Elijah Penny weren't at practice due to a “personal matter” for both. Booker is reportedly dealing with a hip injury, too.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley (ankle) and WR Sterling Shepard (quad) will miss Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders. RB Gary Brightwell (COVID) and WRs Kenny Golladay (knee) and John Ross (quad) are questionable for Week 9.

Just gross all around. The Giants offense is a mess and the hope is injuries stop being an issue.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley (ankle/COVID) will not play Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders. “A guy who’s been out for several weeks like that, yeah we’d like to see him on the field,” Joe Judge said before practice.

Related Player: Devontae Booker

Barkley could play after the team's bye Week 10. Booker is the unquestioned RB1 for the Giants with Gary Brightwell still on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley (ankle, COVID) and WRs Sterling Shepard (quad), Kenny Golladay (knee), and Dante Pettis (shoulder) sat out Wednesday's practice. WR Kadarius Toney (thumb) was limited.

Gross. Tough to pick a player to roster from this offense until Friday's final injury report is out.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley received a positive COVID-19 test and now needs two consecutive negative tests 24 hours apart to be allowed to play. He is also nursing an ankle injury.

The Giants are dealing with a lot of retesting after a slew of positive tests. This is something to pay attention to as more names of players are released.