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The Philadelphia Eagles are prepared to turn down the chance to let Saquon Barkley break the NFL single-season rushing record.
Head coach Nick Cianni told reporters Wednesday that the team will rest several key players for their season finale against the New York Giants, Barkley’s former team. The Eagles are stuck. No. 1, then No. 2 in the upcoming NFC playoffs. And there is nothing to gain if you win.
Barkley, who has 2,005 rushing yards this year, surpasses Eric’s record. Dickerson tied for the most rushing 100 yards in a single season, but the team will choose to hedge against injury rather than advance to the milestone.
Cianni said he spoke with Barkley in his first season with the Eagles after six years with the Giants about his decision.
“I think it’s pretty clear how special this guy is,” Sirianni said.
Sirianni said he plans to talk to everyone. including players, coaches, general manager Howie Roseman and owner Jeffrey Lurie before making a decision.
The Eagles had a bye week in Week 5 and bounced back from a 2-2 start to win 10 straight games and seize control of the division, but Barkley’s 12 straight games upping his NFL-high 345 carries also played a role. To make Cianni give his starters a week off before the Phillies open the playoffs at home.
“It was not the easiest decision,” Sirianni said. “We have great people in this building. and received a lot of information from various people Including the players.”
Barkley also said he will focus on the team’s success over breaking records.
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, 26, returns to the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, December 1. September 22, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
“I came here to do something special. And obviously breaking that record is something special,” Barkley said after the Eagles won the division. “But I want a banner on it. I think we all do. But we gave ourselves a chance on that and got to the playoffs first and now the division.”
Barkley will likely have plenty of teammates against the Giants. Hurts remained in the NFL’s concussion protocol Wednesday and cannot practice or play until he is cleared.
Kenny Pickett starts for the Reds. Phillies last week and ran and threw a touchdown before he left with a rib injury. Third-string QB Tanner McKee threw a pair of touchdown passes as he capped off the Cowboys’ loss.
“At the end of the day, I have to make the decision that I feel is best,” Sirianni said.
after that Rushed for 167 yards In Sunday’s win over Dallas, the 27-year-old Barkley said he wanted the record. But he will do what is best for the team. Even if that means sitting out the final game of the regular season.
“Relax, I’m fine too. Because I didn’t come here and sign here just to win 2,000 or break a record,” Barkley said Sunday. “I wanted to do something special. This means being special to the team.”
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, 26, runs the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, December 1, September 29. 2024 in Philadelphia (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Barkley signed a three-year deal with the Eagles with $26 million guaranteed and $37.75 million overall, making him the highest-paid running back in franchise history.
The decision also ended the squeeze that Barkley would set the record with 17 additional games that Dickerson didn’t have in 1984.
In 1984, Dickerson topped 100 rushing yards on 12 carries to break OJ Simpson’s 1973 record with Buffalo rushing for 2,003 yards in a single season. Dickerson needs 379 carries to set the record. Barkley, on the other hand, has 345 carries this season.
Meanwhile, the Giants will enter Sunday’s game with even less to play than the Phillies. But there will be a lot more to lose in terms of draft positioning with a win.
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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. (Photo Bill Streicher-Imagn)
The Giants hold the sole record for the worst record in the NFL. and ranked No. 1 in the world, No. 1 pick ahead of the game with Indianapolis. Colts last week But with a 45-33 victory at home over Indianapolis The Giants then dropped to fourth overall.
A win over the Eagles’ reserve team would send the Giants further down the draft order. Because it may fall as far as number 19 overall.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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