PHILADELPHIA — In a pivotal decision, Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni announced that running back Saquon Barkley will sit out the team's final regular-season game against the New York Giants, effectively ending his pursuit of the NFL single-season rushing record held by Eric Dickerson. Barkley finished the season with 2,005 rushing yards, just 101 yards shy of breaking Dickerson's record of 2,105 yards set in 1984

The Eagles secured the NFC East title and the No. 2 seed in the conference with a 13-3 record, meaning there was little motivation to risk injury to Barkley in a game that would have no playoff implications. Sirianni confirmed the decision on Wednesday, remarking, “he’ll probably be somebody that rests,” while indicating discussions took place among coaches and management regarding the lineup choices.

By stepping aside, Barkley joins the ranks of only nine running backs who surpassed the 2,000-yard rushing milestone in a single season. Sirianni acknowledged the hesitations involved in this choice, stating, “It wasn’t the easiest decision to go through.” Given the Eagles' playoff trajectory, the focus has now shifted towards preparing for their upcoming wild-card game against the Green Bay Packers or Washington Commanders.

Barkley expressed his desires for both personal and team success. “I want to do something special, meaning special with the team,” he stated following his last game, where he racked up 167 yards against the Dallas Cowboys. While he aimed for the record, he embraced the decision to prioritize team health over personal accolades.

As the franchise eyes a significant playoff run, maintaining key players like Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts will be crucial. Hurts, who has been dealing with concussion symptoms, is also expected to rest during the finale, alongside many starters. Sirianni's systematic approach in this final week of the regular season aims to solidify a healthier lineup for their playoff objectives.