SAQUON BARKLEY could break one of the most hallowed NFL records on Sunday – but may not get the chance.
The running back has Erick Dickerson’s rushing record in his sites but with the playoffs soon approaching may be forced to sit out to avoid any injury risk.
Saquon Barkley could break a coveted 40-year-old NFL record – but may be rested for the playoffs Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is yet to make his decisionHall of Famer Dickerson rushed for a staggering 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984 and the record has stood for 40 years since.
Philadelphia Eagles star Barkley, 27, has already broken the 2,000-yard mark and needs just 101 yards to break Dickerson’s record.
But the Eagles – who sit 13-3 – have already clinched the NFC East title and are locked into the No 2 seed.
Head coach Nick Sirianni could, therefore, use Sunday’s game as the perfect time to rest key players ahead of the wild-card playoff game a week later.
Sirianni revealed he is yet to make a decision and will speak to numerous individuals in the organization to make the call.
He told 94WIP radio in Philadelphia: “I’ll talk to our staff, I’ll talk to the players, I’ll talk to [general manager] Howie [Roseman], I’ll talk to Mr. Lurie.
“I’ll talk to everybody to try and make sure I’m making the best decision for the football team.
“What’s the best thing for the team, and then also, what’s the best things for the individuals going for the record?”
Sirianni then hinted that he could let Barkely play.
He pointed out that he allowed DeVonta Smith to play in 2021 to allow him to try and break DeSean Jackson’s franchise record for receiving yards as a rookie and rested other key players.
The coach added: “If you think back a couple of years ago to 2021, Smitty was going for the rookie receiver record.
“Everybody else was resting, but we wanted for everyone else — whatever it was — we didn’t play some other guys in that game, but we went and got him that record.
“Every situation is a little different.
“Not saying one way or the other or how that’s going to play out or even that I made a decision yet.”
Week 18 schedule changes
The NFL has announced the complete schedule for Week 18 of the regular-season.
It will feature a prime time showdown between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night with everything on the line.
The winner will be crowned NFC North champions and No. 1 seed for the playoffs, while the loser of the clash on Sunday at 8.20 pm ET will have to settle for a wild card spot.
Week 18 begins with a Saturday double header on ESPN and ABC.
The Baltimore Ravens take on the Cleveland Browns at 4.30 pm ET before the Cincinnati Bengals travel to the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8 pm ET.
Eight games will be played at 1 pm ET on Sunday.
Five more will follow at 4.25 pm ET – including the Kansas City Chiefs at the Denver Broncos.
Last week, and in his first season after leaving the New York Giants, Barkley became only the ninth player in NFL history to break the 2k rushing barrier.
OJ Simpson (1973) was the first to do it, followed by Dickerson (1984), Barry Sanders (1997), Terrell Davis (1998), Jamal Lewis (2003), Chris Johnson (2009), Adrian Peterson (2012) and Derrick Henry (2020).
Barkley said he was “all for” whatever the coach decided – and that while the record would be special, winning the Super Bowl remains top priority.
The running back said: “Whatever his decision is, I’m all for it.
“If his mindset is, we’ll go out there and try it, I’ll go out there and try it.
“If his mindset is, let’s rest and get ready for this run, I’m all for that, too.
“I came here to do something special. Breaking a record is special, but I want a banner up there.
“I think we all do.”
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