Saquon Barkley’s quest for the NFL’s single-season rushing record will end at 205 yards after head coach Nick Sirianni announced that the Eagles will rest key starters in the Week 18 game against the New York Giants.
The Eagles completed a season sweep and captured the NFC East with a 41-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The win gives Philadelphia the No. 2 seed and no shot at the No. 1 seed after the Vikings’ 27-25 victory over the Packers on Sunday afternoon.
Minnesota (14-2) will face Detroit (13-2) in Week 17 for the NFC North and a first-round bye.
On Wednesday, Barkley offered an honest, heartfelt response to be denied a chance to chase history.
Saquon Barkley with honest perspective on the decision: "(Nick Sirianni) asked me if I wanted to play, if I wanted to go for it. I said, 'On Sunday, I probably didn't care too much for it. When I slept on it, it was like an opportunity to imprint my name in football history. You…
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) January 1, 2025
After gaining 167 yards on the ground against Dallas in Week 17, Barkley sits 101 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,105 yards set in 1984. Barkley would set the record, and it would be associated with Philadelphia and Jeffrey Lurie’s franchise for years to come, if not decades.
Still, the ultimate goal is the Super Bowl, and a Week 18 bye week for Eagles starters from a gameplay perspective could allow this team to be rested and fresh. Washington or Green Bay are likely headed to Lincoln Financial Field.