With the NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles firmly secured as the No. 2 seed for the 2024 playoffs, one major question looms ahead of Week 18: Will Saquon Barkley get the chance to make history?
During his weekly radio appearance on 94WIP, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni addressed the uncertainty surrounding Barkley’s participation on Sunday. Sirianni emphasized that the decision would not rest solely on his shoulders but would involve input from across the organization.
“I’ll consult with our staff, the players, [general manager] Howie [Roseman], and [owner] Mr. [Jeffrey] Lurie,” Sirianni stated. “I want to ensure that whatever decision we make is the best one for the team.”
Barkley stands just 101 yards away from surpassing Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards—a feat that has remained untouched for four decades. The Eagles’ star running back entered the exclusive 2,000-yard club after a standout performance in last Sunday’s win over the Cowboys, racking up 167 rushing yards to help Philadelphia secure the NFC East title.
However, with the Eagles eliminated from contention for the conference’s No. 1 seed following the Minnesota Vikings’ Week 17 victory over the Packers, the upcoming regular-season finale against the Giants offers little competitive incentive. Instead, it presents an opportunity for Philadelphia to rest key players ahead of the postseason.
Reflecting on a similar scenario in 2021, Sirianni recalled giving wide receiver DeVonta Smith the opportunity to set a franchise rookie record, even while resting other starters.
“Every situation is unique, and you have to consider a lot of factors,” Sirianni explained. “In Smitty’s case, we wanted him to have the chance to break DeSean Jackson’s rookie receiving record, so we made adjustments to help him achieve that goal. I’m still evaluating this situation, but ultimately, the decision will prioritize the team’s needs while considering individual milestones.”
Unlike Smith’s situation, the chance to surpass Dickerson’s single-season rushing record is a rare and extraordinary opportunity. Barkley breaking this record could elevate his legacy and position him for individual accolades, including a potential run at the AP NFL MVP award—a distinction no running back has earned since Adrian Peterson in 2012.
For Barkley, the focus remains on the bigger picture, regardless of Sirianni’s ultimate decision.
“Whatever Coach decides, I’m on board,” Barkley said following Sunday’s game. “If the plan is to go for it, I’ll give it everything I’ve got. If the plan is to rest and prepare for the playoffs, I’m all in on that, too. Breaking a record is special, but I came here to achieve something greater—a championship. That’s what we’re all working toward.”
