In a surprising turn of events, the Philadelphia Eagles have decided to rest Saquon Barkley and their starters in this week’s matchup against the New York Giants. This decision effectively puts an end to Barkley’s pursuit of a potential record-breaking season.
Barkley, who has been a key offensive force for the Eagles this year, was on track to challenge the single-season rushing record. The move to rest him, however, underscores the team’s focus on preserving its top players for the playoffs rather than risking injury in a game with little playoff seeding implications.
“Saquon’s contributions this season have been incredible,” said head coach Nick Sirianni during a press conference. “But our priority is the postseason. This decision ensures we go into the playoffs healthy and ready to compete at the highest level.”
The Eagles’ strategy mirrors a broader trend in the league where teams prioritize long-term goals over individual accolades or short-term milestones. For fans hoping to see Barkley etch his name in the record books, the decision is disappointing but understandable.
With Barkley sidelined, the Eagles will rely on their second-string players against the Giants, providing an opportunity for lesser-known players to showcase their skills in a low-pressure setting.