Eagles RB Saquon Barkley will not play in Week 18 vs. Giants; Eric Dickerson’s single-season record remains

He became just the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards, accomplishing the feat in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys. Barkley also became the very first 2,000-yard rusher to hit the milestone with his second NFL team.

During his time with the Giants, Barkley had his share of injury issues and that history likely played at least a part in the thinking of shutting him down. Entering the final week, Barkley leads the NFL with 345 carries, his 2,005 rushing yards, 125.3 yards per game, 378 touches and 2,283 scrimmage yards.

He’d already well surpassed his previous career highs in carries (295) and touches (352 twice), so worries about his workload were glaring, especially as the NFC East champions are hoping to make some noise in the postseason.

In his first game playing against the Giants back in Week 7, Barkley was sensational to the tune of 176 yards and a touchdown on only 17 carries. Consequently, Sirianni asked Barkley during the 28-3 blowout if the RB wanted to remain in the game to set a new single-game career high. At the time it was 189 yards and Barkley declined. During his remarkable season, Barkley blew past his previous game high with a Week 12 showing of 255 yards.

This time around, Barkley won’t be going back in against the Giants, either, as the onus on him emerging unscathed for the Eagles’ playoff run has taken precedence over individual history.