The Philadelphia Eagles have decided to give their running back Saquon Barkley a break in the upcoming game against the New York Giants. This decision comes as the NFL’s single-season rushing record is still active, and many had speculated that Barkley would attempt to break it in his next opportunity.
While details on the exact reason for Barkley’s absence are not provided, it’s evident that the Eagles are prioritizing their backup plan over a chance for the player to set a new record. This move could be seen as a strategic decision to ensure their team’s success and minimize risk, rather than an attempt to protect Barkley from potential exhaustion or injury.
The decision comes on the heels of another week of NFL playoff seeding discussions and updates, with many teams still vying for a spot in the coveted postseason tournament. As teams continue to make final preparations for the playoffs, coaches are making calculated decisions like this one, balancing individual player goals with team objectives.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/01/01/saquon-barkley-rushing-record-eric-dickerson