Saquon Barkley, the running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, is expected to miss the team's last regular-season game against the New York Giants. This decision means Barkley will fall just short of breaking Eric Dickerson's NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards set in 1984, finishing the season with 2,005 yards.
The Eagles, who have already secured the NFC East title and the No. 2 seed in the conference, have little at stake in Sunday's game. Coach Nick Sirianni hinted that Barkley would likely be among the starters resting for the game.
Sirianni emphasized Barkley's exceptional talent and the importance of keeping him healthy, especially considering his value to the team. Barkley is only the ninth running back in NFL history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a single season.
Despite the desire to see Barkley break the record, the Eagles' focus is on the upcoming playoffs. They are set to face either the Green Bay Packers or the Washington Commanders in a wild-card playoff game.
The decision to rest Barkley and potentially other key players was not taken lightly by Sirianni, who consulted with various team members before finalizing the plan. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, who missed the last game due to a concussion, is also likely to be rested to ensure he is fully recovered for the postseason.
While Barkley expressed his desire to chase the record, he ultimately prioritized the team's goals over personal achievements. His contract with the Eagles, making him the highest-paid running back in franchise history, reflects the team's confidence in his abilities and value.
With Barkley's pursuit of the rushing record on hold, the Eagles are gearing up for a strong playoff run with their sights set on a potential Super Bowl appearance.
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