New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley took some contact seemingly without incident on Thursday for the first time since tearing the ACL in his right knee 11 months ago.

It was the latest step in Barkley's progression and a mandatory one before he gets into a game, according to Joe Judge.

"We did a normal practice safely, and just talked to the guys and [they] gave me some good shots," Barkley said afterward. "But it's [about] route running and running routes just to get me back in the flow of things, so I guess you could say yes [I took my first hit].

"But [Thursday] felt good at practice and practicing with everyone on the team. Think that was definitely needed. Just grateful to be out there and just getting ready for the season."

Barkley will have to get through another fully padded practice next week before likely getting cleared by doctors. The Giants don't practice again until Monday.