TAMPA, Fla. — While the franchise quarterback looked the part, the franchise running back sadly looked on from the sideline.

On a day when Daniel Jones’ first career start sparked new life in the Giants season, the team headed home from a thrilling 32-31 win over the Buccaneers with star running back Saquon Barkley hobbled by an injured right ankle, supported by a walking boot and crutches.

Barkley, who limped off the field late in the second quarter and never returned, reportedly suffered a high-ankle sprain, and is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam Monday.

“Would I say I’m really hurt? No. Could it be way worse? Yes. I’m not out for the season,” Barkley said after the win, only putting weight on his left leg. “Whatever I can do to get back as quickly as possible — not just for myself, for this team — that’s what I’ll continue to think about. That’s the only thing I’m focused on.”

The reigning Rookie of the Year had an X-ray, which came back clean, but a high-ankle sprain could potentially result in a lengthy absence. The most recent injury Barkley suffered came during his freshman year at Penn State, forcing him to miss two games.

“I’ve never really been hurt,” Barkley said. “I guess I got hurt my freshman year in college. Whatever it is, I promise you I’m gonna come [back] 10 times better. I’m gonna try as quickly as possible to help my team compete.”

With Eli Manning under center in the first two games of the season, Barkley was brilliant, rushing for 227 yards, 7.83 yards per attempt. With Jones stepping into the spotlight Sunday for the first time, the Buccaneers made sure Barkley wouldn’t beat them.

Last year’s second-overall pick was limited to 10 yards rushing on eight carries, and added four catches for 27 yards — dropping a wide-open, would-be touchdown from Jones, prior to the quarterback scrambling for a score — before a Mike Edwards tackle bent Barkley’s right foot backwards. The running back limped off the field, and needed help from the training staff to return to the locker room.

Barkley returned to the sideline in the second half, supported by the boot and crutches, while supporting teammates fighting back from an 18-point halftime deficit. When Matt Gay’s game-winning field goal attempt went wide, Barkley hopped on his right foot across the field in ecstasy, holding a crutch in each hand.

“I still was vocal on the sideline. It’s not about you. It’s about the team,” Barkley said. “Even though I’m not playing, I still feel I have an impact on this team with my voice. That’s why I wanted to come back out. … I’m so happy and proud of them. They played their tails off.”

But never had something so exhilarating been so bittersweet.

“Personally it sucks, because as a competitor I just want to be out there,” Barkley said. “That was the biggest thing where I was upset with the injury because I hate watching my teammates play. I love being out there competing.”