TEMPE, Ariz. – Is this a message to the 49ers that they need to prepare for Saquon Barkley taking the field Thursday night, just so their defense has something else to think about heading into the game?

Or does Barkley have a legitimate chance to play, only four days after sustaining a sprained right ankle?

Brian Daboll raised the possibility Tuesday morning that his top running back should not yet be ruled out, despite an ESPN report that Barkley will miss three weeks with the injury he suffered in the closing minutes of last Sunday’s dramatic 31-28 comeback victory over the Cardinals.

“I’m not saying that he’s out yet,’’ Daboll said.  “He’s a quick healer. I’m not saying that he’s in, he’s out. We’re gonna take it all the way up with him until Thursday. But he feels a lot better today. I just talked to him, so we’ll see where we’re at.’’

Barkley got hurt on his 17th and final rushing attempt, a two-yard gain with 1:12 remaining that helped set up Graham Gano’s game-winning 34-yard field goal.

The ankle swelled up and Barkley had to be helped off the field. He slammed his helmet to the ground and looked despondent sitting in the locker room.

A three-week diagnosis for a low Ankle Sprain is customary.  

“Saquon is a lot better than I thought he would be or some other people thought he would be today,’’ Daboll said. “He might heal a little bit different than another player, if you will. We’ll just take it day to day with him. If he can make it, great. If he can’t, let’s see if he can get better by the following week.’’

Perhaps Barkley had a legitimate chance to defy the presumed timetable for his return.

Perhaps this is a bit of gamesmanship from Daboll.

What is known is that Barkley is no stranger to dealing with injuries and trying to come back from injuries.

He missed three games in 2019 dealing with a right ankle sprain. In 2020, he missed 14 games after tearing his right ACL. In 2021, he missed four games with a high left ankle sprain.

In the past, Barkley intimated he returned too soon from ankle injuries and that limited his production for several games until he found his footing.

Daboll said the availability of left tackle Andrew Thomas and defensive end Azeez Oljulari, both dealing with strained hamstrings that kept them out in Week 2, will not be made Thursday and both will be game-time decisions. Daboll put Barkley in that same category.

Ben Bredeson, the starting left guard, remains in the concussion protocol and there is not enough time for him to be cleared for this game, Daboll said.