Saquon Barkley sits out Week 18, ending pursuit of Dickerson’s record

The Philadelphia Eagles have chosen to rest Saquon Barkley for Week 18. With their playoff position locked and no shot at a first-round bye, the team prioritized health over history. Barkley, who is just 100 yards shy of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards set in 1984, will end his season with 2,005 yards.

Barkley supports the decision

Despite the opportunity to make history, Barkley agrees with the team’s call.

“My reaction was I told my family, obviously my family probably wanted it a little more than me,” Barkley shared, according to EJ Smith. “But at the end of the day, the most important thing is winning football games and going to the playoffs. I’ve got a bigger goal in mind.”

The decision to sit Saquon Barkley and not go for the single season rushing record is everything that is wrong with sports in 2025. We’ve collectively made it to where NOTHING matters but championships and it’s ruining sports. It's anti-fan, anti-competitive & anti-fun. I hope…
— Raheem Palmer (@iamrahstradamus) January 1, 2025

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni made the decision after consulting with players, coaches, and management. Barkley revealed that Sirianni asked for his input, but ultimately, the decision was out of his hands.

“I wanted to do it but once I found out that we’re not, it kind of made it easier for me because it’s not my decision,” Barkley said. “Nick made it easier on me. I’m truly at peace with it.”

Historic season for Barkley

Barkley became just the ninth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, joining an elite group that includes Adrian Peterson, Barry Sanders, and Derrick Henry. Reflecting on his season, Barkley showed gratitude for the milestone.

“I’ve done a lot of great things so far this year,” he said. “It’s no disappointment. I’m blessed to even be in position to have an opportunity to do it.”

While some offensive linemen pushed for Barkley to play at least the first half of Week 18 against the New York Giants, the team decided against it. Protecting players for a playoff run took precedence.

Super Bowl aspirations take priority

Barkley emphasized the team’s focus on a bigger goal: winning a Super Bowl. The Eagles, who last reached the championship game a few years ago but fell to the Kansas City Chiefs, are looking to change the narrative this year.

“We didn’t come here and I didn’t sign here to break Eric Dickerson’s record,” Barkley said. “We came here to win a Super Bowl. That’s our goal and what we want to accomplish.”

Tiki Barber said Saquon Barkley is, “Dead to us.. he’s dead to me.”

Saquon can break the NFL rushing record vs. his former team, and get this, Tiki Barber is doing the national broadcast.

When God blesses you, he’ll do it in the presence of your enemiespic.twitter.com/QCFr13tINT
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) January 1, 2025

Facing his former team, the Giants, would have added another layer to the record pursuit. Barkley, however, expressed respect for his old teammates and the organization, acknowledging their role in his growth as a player.

“They’re the reason I’m the player I am today,” Barkley said, reflecting on his time with the Giants.

image: Saquon Barkley’s Instagram

Saquon Barkley

Natasha Bose

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