Posted on Jan 01
Eagles RB Saquon Barkley likely to sit out regular-season finale, prioritizing playoff preparation
u/alex •
Eagles' Saquon Barkley likely to sit out regular-season finale but remains focused on achieving team success.
Why it matters: Resting Barkley allows the Eagles to prioritize player health and preparation for the playoffs, while also potentially preserving his chance to break Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record.
What's new: Coach Sirianni has confirmed that Barkley will be held out of the regular-season finale against the New York Giants.
Yes, but: Opinions within the team are divided, with some players pushing for starters to play in order to seize the opportunity to make history.
What to watch: The decision to rest key players like Barkley raises questions about the Eagles' approach to balancing individual milestones and team goals.
What's next: The focus now shifts to how the Eagles will perform without Barkley in the lineup and whether other players will step up to fill the void.
The bottom line: While Barkley supports coach Sirianni's decision, he remains driven to achieve team success and hopes to contribute to a championship-caliber season.
By the numbers: Barkley's 2,000-plus rushing yards this season have solidified his place among the NFL's elite running backs.
- He is just 101 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record.
- Barkley became the ninth player in NFL history to reach the 2,000-yard milestone.
Our thought bubble: Resting Barkley not only protects his health but also keeps the team's long-term goals in mind. The Eagles want to ensure they field the strongest possible team for their playoff run.
Jordan Mailata's opinion: Mailata sees the game against the Giants as an opportunity to make history and believes resting key players may hinder that pursuit.
Saquon Barkley's perspective: Barkley understands the team-first approach and is supportive of whichever decision coach Sirianni makes. He is determined to contribute to something special as a team and prioritize winning over individual accolades.
Zoom Out: The Eagles decision highlights the ongoing debate in the NFL about balancing player milestones and team objectives, particularly as teams approach the playoffs.
Zoom In: Barkley's potential absence raises questions about the Eagles' offensive strategy and how they will adjust without their star running back in the regular-season finale.