The Philadelphia Eagles have chosen to prioritize player health over Saquon Barkley's pursuit of the NFL single-season rushing record. With the team securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs, head coach Nick Sirianni announced that several key players, including Barkley, will be rested in the final regular season game against the New York Giants.
Barkley, currently at 2,005 rushing yards, is just 100 yards shy of Eric Dickerson's record. However, the Eagles are focused on minimizing the risk of injury before the playoffs begin. Sirianni confirmed he discussed the decision with Barkley, acknowledging the running back's exceptional season.
The decision comes after a demanding 12-game stretch, including a 10-game winning streak following the Eagles' Week 5 bye. Barkley, who leads the NFL with 345 carries, has been instrumental in the team's success. Sirianni admitted the decision to rest starters wasn't easy, emphasizing the input received from various individuals within the organization, including the players themselves.
Barkley himself has previously stated his commitment to team success over individual achievements. While acknowledging the significance of breaking the record, he emphasized his primary goal of winning a championship with the Eagles. This aligns with the team's current strategy of prioritizing playoff readiness.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) walks back to the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders.
Barkley's impressive 167-yard performance against the Dallas Cowboys in the previous game further fueled the record chase discussion. However, the 27-year-old running back reiterated his focus on team goals. He emphasized that his motivation for joining the Eagles was not solely about individual statistics but about achieving something special with the team.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys.
Barkley's lucrative three-year contract with the Eagles underscores his value to the franchise. The decision to rest him also avoids the debate surrounding the potential record being achieved in a 17-game season, unlike Dickerson's 1984 record in a 16-game season.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers.
Meanwhile, the Giants face a different dilemma. A win against the Eagles' backups could negatively impact their draft positioning. Having improved their record with a recent win, they risk dropping further down the draft order.
