As reported by Jeremy Fowler, the Philadelphia Eagles plan to rest their starters, including running back Saquon Barkley, in the upcoming Week 18 matchup against the New York Giants.

This decision means that Barkley will conclude the season just 100 yards short of breaking the all-time single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, a mark set by Eric Dickerson.

Barkley has had an outstanding individual season, and the possibility of breaking the record against his former team has kept this topic alive, particularly as the Eagles secure their spot as the No. 2 seed in the NFC, aiming for a Super Bowl title.

Without a bye week and unable to claim the No. 1 seed, resting starters provides a significant advantage for the Eagles entering the playoffs.

At 27 years old, Barkley was drafted second overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was in the final year of a four-year, $31.19 million rookie contract with the Giants, including a $20.767 million signing bonus, when they exercised his fifth-year option.

Barkley’s fifth-year option required the Giants to pay him $7.22 million fully guaranteed for the 2022 season. He was set to hit unrestricted free agency in 2023 but was franchised by the Giants at a value of $10.09 million fully guaranteed.

The Giants ultimately allowed Barkley to leave, and he signed a three-year, $37.75 million deal with the Eagles.

In the 2024 season, Barkley played in 16 games for the Eagles, rushing for 2,005 yards on 345 carries, scoring 13 touchdowns, and recording 33 receptions on 43 targets for 278 receiving yards and an additional two touchdowns.