Rory McIlroy showed signs of improvement as he continued his comeback from an ankle injury with a two-under-par round on day two at The Barclays.
The 27-year-old, who has not played since missing the cut at the PGA Championship almost a month ago, bettered Thursday's level-par effort at Bethpage Black.
McIlroy, down at number five in the world rankings and chasing his first PGA Tour win of the year, shot four birdies and two bogeys in a round of 69.
That left him six shots behind front-runner Patrick Reed, who leads by two shots on eight under.
An encouraged McIlroy told Sky Sports 4: "I think one of the big things I'm really excited about are things are back to where they were before my ankle injury.
"Even in the first part of this year my ball speed, my swing speed wasn't up to where I wanted it to be, but with that I can fully commit so I'm really happy with that.
"My wedge play hasn't been as good as I wanted it to be but off the tee and approach play from 150 and out has been great. Things I need to work on are from 150 in and obviously my putting."
Emiliano Grillo and Rickie Fowler are tied for second after rounds of 69, while Graeme McDowell missed the cut on six over after a 76.
Meanwhile, Europe captain Darren Clarke has allayed fears over the fitness of British Open champion Henrik Stenson ahead of next month's Ryder Cup defence at Hazeltine, Minnesota.
The Swede, who had surgery on his right knee at the end of last year, suffered a recurrence this week and was forced to pull out of The Barclays after shooting a three-over 74 in the opening round.
Clarke, however, said on Friday that the world number four was simply being careful by withdrawing from the tournament.
"I've just had a message from Henrik and he said it was solely precautionary," the Northern Irishman told Sky Sports television.
"I messaged him back telling him that was the best news I'll hear all day. I think he's just being careful.
"The Ryder Cup means so much to him and I think he's just making sure he can play the rest of the FedEx and also make sure he's fit for the Ryder Cup."
Stenson won the first major of his career at Troon in July and followed up by taking the silver medal behind Ryder Cup team mate Justin Rose at this month's Rio Olympics.
