Saquon Barkley will miss the rest of the NFL season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, the New York Giants have confirmed.

The star running back, the Giants' 2018 second overall pick, was taken off on a cart in the first quarter of their 17-13 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

Barkley suffered the injury as he ran to the sideline and was tackled by Eddie Jackson.

The Giants' worst fears were confirmed on Monday, with a team release reading: "Giants running back Saquon Barkley underwent an MRI of his right knee this morning at Hospital for Special Surgery.

"The results of the testing confirmed that Barkley suffered a torn ACL in yesterday's game in Chicago.

"Barkley will undergo surgery to repair the injury in the near future."

Barkley was limited to 13 games last season because of an ankle issue but still topped 1,000 yards rushing.

His sensational rookie season saw him rack up 2,028 yards from scrimmage and 15 total touchdowns in 2018.

Backups Wayne Gallman and Dion Lewis should see an increased workload in Barkley's absence, while there are reports they will work out free agent Devonta Freeman.

The Giants are 0-2 after the defeat in Chicago and host reigning NFC champions the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3. 

San Francisco will return to MetLife Stadium on Sunday having lost star pass rusher Nick Bosa to what is feared to be a torn ACL in a 31-13 win over the New York Jets.

The Niners' starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a high ankle sprain and did not play the second half.