Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley will sit out the team’s final regular season game against the New York Giants, ending his pursuit of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. The decision, made by head coach Nick Sirianni, prioritizes team health and playoff readiness over individual accolades, as the Eagles prepare for the postseason.
Barkley’s decision: Team first, history second.
Saquon Barkley, who has already surpassed 2,000 rushing yards this season, sits just 101 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,105 yards set in 1984. Despite the historic opportunity, Barkley and Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni agreed it was better to rest the running back ahead of the playoffs. Speaking to ESPN earlier this week, Barkley expressed mixed emotions about the decision.
“It’s an opportunity to put my name in the history books, and I may never get this chance again,” Barkley said. “But at the end of the day, I don’t want to jeopardize the team’s goals. The coach made the call, and I trust it.”
The Eagles, who have clinched the NFC East with a 13-3 record, have no seeding implications in their matchup against the Giants. With their bye week occurring in Week 5, the team has played 12 consecutive games, prompting Sirianni to prioritize rest for key players. Barkley is one of several starters who will sit out, alongside quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is still recovering from a concussion.
Why the Eagles chose rest over records.
Head coach Nick Sirianni emphasized the importance of keeping players healthy for the playoffs. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” Sirianni admitted in a press conference. “This is a special record, and Saquon is a special player. But we always aim to do what’s best for the team.”
Philadelphia’s decision reflects a broader trend among playoff-bound teams resting starters in meaningless games. The Kansas City Chiefs, for example, will rest quarterback Patrick Mah omes and other key players in their final game against the Denver Broncos, despite Mahomes being in MVP contention. Similarly, the Los Angeles Rams have opted to rest Matthew Stafford as they gear up for the postseason, leaving the quarterback duties to Jimmy Garoppolo.
The rationale behind these decisions ties to the grueling nature of the NFL season. With the Eagles having played 12 consecutive games, a week off offers a much-needed reprieve for players to recover and recharge ahead of their playoff campaign. “We’re in this for the long haul,” Sirianni said. “Our goal is the Super Bowl, and every decision we make revolves around that objective.”
Impact on the record books and Barkley’s legacy.
Barkley’s absence will leave him at 2,005 rushing yards for the season, making him only the ninth player in NFL history to surpass the 2,000-yard mark. While the record was within reach, Barkley’s performance this year has already cemented his place as one of the league’s most dominant running backs.
Eric Dickerson, whose record has stood for nearly four decades, commented on Barkley’s season earlier this week, calling it “remarkable” and praising Barkley for his unselfishness. “It’s not just about records,” Dickerson told NFL Network. “It’s about championships. Saquon’s decision shows he’s a team player.”
The decision to rest Barkley also highlights the ongoing balance between individual achievements and team goals in professional sports. Barkley himself echoed this sentiment, saying, “I came here to win a championship, not just to set records. The record would’ve been great, but lifting the Lombardi Trophy is what matters most.”
Playoff implications and what’s next for the Eagles.
With the Eagles locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC, they will host a wildcard game next week. Depending on the outcomes of other Week 18 games, their opponent could be either the Washington Commanders or the Green Bay Packers. The team remains focused on making a deep playoff run, and Sirianni expressed confidence in his roster’s depth.
In Barkley’s absence, Kenneth Gainwell is expected to take on the lead running back role against the Giants.
Gainwell, who has served as a reliable backup this season, will get a chance to showcase his abilities as the Eagles aim to maintain momentum heading into the playoffs. Meanwhile, backup quarterback Tanner McKee is also set to start, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate younger talent in a low-stakes game. Wide receiver A.J. Brown, who has already surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the third consecutive season, is unlikely to see much action as well.
For the Giants, the game serves as an opportunity to develop young players and build toward the future. Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., who has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season, could see significant carries as he inches closer to the 1,000-yard mark. Quarterback Drew Lock, coming off an impressive performance last week, will also look to continue building momentum heading into the offseason.
Historical context and the broader NFL landscape.
Barkley’s decision to sit out underscores the shifting priorities in today’s NFL, where player health and team success often take precedence over individual milestones. The league has seen an increasing number of teams resting their stars in recent years, particularly as the playoff format places greater emphasis on postseason performance.
Elsewhere in the NFL, similar decisions are being made. The Kansas City Chiefs, already assured of the No. 1 seed in the AFC, will rest Patrick Mahomes and other key starters against the Broncos. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams are resting Matthew Stafford despite still jockeying for playoff seeding, showcasing how the concept of “load management” has made its way from the NBA into professional football.
As the Eagles prepare for a deep playoff run, their decision to prioritize health over records serves as a reminder of the bigger picture. While Barkley’s pursuit of Dickerson’s record will have to wait, his unselfishness and team-first mentality have further solidified his reputation as one of the NFL’s premier players.
A look ahead: Can the Eagles capitalize on their momentum?
With a 13-3 record and a roster filled with talent, the Eagles enter the playoffs as one of the NFC’s top contenders. Their balanced offensive attack, featuring Barkley’s dominant ground game and A.J. Brown’s explosiveness in the passing game , has been complemented by a defense that ranks among the league’s best. However, the road to the Super Bowl will not be easy, with potential matchups against NFC powerhouses like the San Francisco 49ers or the Dallas Cowboys looming in later rounds.
Head coach Nick Sirianni emphasized that the team’s success will depend on its ability to stay disciplined and execute in high-pressure situations. “We’ve put ourselves in a great position, but the playoffs are a different beast,” Sirianni said in a press conference. “It’s about taking it one game at a time and staying focused on our ultimate goal.”
For Saquon Barkley, the playoffs represent an opportunity to further solidify his legacy. While his pursuit of Eric Dickerson’s record may have ended prematurely, the running back remains driven by the bigger picture. “This team has something special,” Barkley said. “I’m excited to be a part of it, and I believe we can achieve something historic this postseason.”
As the Eagles prepare to host their first playoff game, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this team has what it takes to make a run at the Super Bowl. With Barkley and other stars rested and ready, Philadelphia’s path to glory remains firmly within reach.
