The Philadelphia Eagles are faced with a critical decision as they head into Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season. Having already secured the NFC East title, the team is considering resting key players, including star running back Saquon Barkley, who is just 101 yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. Coach Nick Sirianni has opted to prioritize player health over individual accolades, sidelining Barkley and several starters in preparation for the upcoming Wild Card Round.
Despite the compelling case for Barkley to chase the record against the struggling New York Giants, who rank 31st in run defense, the Eagles are placing their focus on ensuring their top players are injury-free. Along with Barkley, other notable players listed as doubtful include offensive linemen Landon Dickerson, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata. This decision underscores the team's strategy as they aim for a deep playoff run, even as they weigh the potential confidence boost from Barkley achieving a historic milestone.