Eagles RB Saquon Barkley is feeling good after getting banged up Sunday vs. the Steelers
Barkley rested during Wednesday’s walk-through, but contends that he’s “not scared” to continue his chase to break Eric Dickerson’s rushing record.
Saquon Barkley said Wednesday that he is feeling good after he was briefly knocked from the Eagles’ 27-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday with a minor injury.
The team’s injury report following practice — and following Barkley’s session with reporters in the locker room — backed that up. Barkley was among a handful of Eagles players listed as out because of rest.
Barkley missed an extended stretch in the second quarter Sunday and walked gingerly off the field late in the game. It was a down day by Barkley’s standards. He rushed for just 65 yards on 19 carries and caught two passes for 9 yards. The 65-yard outing hurt Barkley’s pace to break Eric Dickerson’s 2,105-yard single-season rushing record set in 1984.
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Barkley needs to average 139 rushing yards in the Eagles’ final three games to tie the record. He is averaging 120.6 yards per game. The record has, of course, been a constant topic for Barkley since a two-game stretch vs. the Washington Commanders and the Los Angeles Rams that saw him rush for 401 yards, including an Eagles-record 255-yard performance vs. the Rams.
“Nothing changed from last week,” Barkley said regarding the rushing record. “I’m fully aware of how far I am. I’m not scared of it.”
He said his focus remains on winning football games. The Steelers have a stout run defense, and the Eagles decided to go pass-heavy to win on Sunday.
“If I don’t get it, I’m not going to be depressed,” Barkley said. “If I get it I’m not going to be that crazy happy either. It’s a record. Records are meant to be broken. My mindset is focused on winning games and competing for a championship, and that’s the only thing that really matters to me.”
Up next for Barkley and the Eagles is a Sunday showdown vs. a Commanders team against which Barkley exploded for 90 second-half yards and two fourth-quarter scores to beat. Washington has been beatable on the ground, and despite a revival of the Eagles’ passing game, the team could try the same route by running the ball and trying to wear the Commanders down. A win on Sunday would wrap up the NFC East for the Eagles, who remain in the running for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
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While Barkley has secured the Eagles’ single-season rushing record and continues to track down Dickerson’s number, he’s also closing in on career-highs in rushing attempts and overall touches. Barkley hasn’t missed a game this season and likely will surpass the 300-carry mark for the first time in his career on Sunday (he needs just 15 more attempts). Combined with his receptions, Barkley is up to 316 touches and is on pace to finish with a career-high 383. Twelve players have posted 380 or more touches since 2010.
The Eagles want Barkley and the rest of their stars at their healthiest in the playoffs. Barkley has routinely taken rest days and rest periods throughout the season, which Eagles coach Nick Sirianni has pointed to frequently when asked about Barkley’s workload.
Asked about his health and ensuring he’s ready for the postseason, Barkley said he’s staying consistent and listening to his body.
“Your body is going to tell you exactly what you need,” he said. “The beauty of playing in 2024 is you have so much data, so much science. Trust in that, trust in the trainers, trust in the strength guys, and just listen and be coachable.”
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Injury report
It was a widespread rest day for the Eagles during Wednesday’s walk-through.
Barkley, Mekhi Becton, A.J. Brown, Landon Dickerson, Lane Johnson, Cam Jurgens, Jordan Mailata, and DeVonta Smith sat out to rest after a physical game vs. the Steelers on Sunday. Dickerson (knee) and Smith (back) were listed with additional reasons for their absence besides rest.
Bryce Huff, whose 21-day practice window was opened by the team on Wednesday, was a limited participant as he works his way back from wrist surgery.
Safety Sydney Brown (concussion) was the only player to miss practice solely because of an injury.
Jalen Hurts (left finger) and Britain Covey (neck) were listed as full participants.