December 09, 2022

Saquon Barkley's status in doubt for Eagles-Giants

Which could mean a much easier day for the Eagles' defense

By Nick Tricome
PhillyVoice Staff

Saquon Barkley's name showed up on the Giants' injury report and head coach Brian Daboll said Friday that the star running back's status could be in doubt for Sunday's big divisional matchup against the Eagles.

Barkley is dealing with neck soreness, per Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, and the injury report showed him as limited in Thursday's practice.

Daboll said Saquon will be limited again today in practice. Knowing Saquon, he always wants to play, is tough, plays through a lot. Daboll said he will not manage this game with an eye on Washington. Still (now this is me talking) that ‘playoff’ game has to be a consideration
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) December 9, 2022

Barkley, already with 1,055 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the season, is New York's top offensive weapon but has gone through a relative dry spell the past few weeks, much like the Giants as a whole.

In a stretch that has seen the Giants go 0-2-1 over their last three games, the fifth-year back has put up performances of just 22, 39, and then 63 rushing yards, respectively.

Still, the thought of going without him for a week, especially with a playoff spot on the line, presents a problem for New York, and possibly a much easier day for an Eagles defense that successfully shut down Derrick Henry and the Titans a week prior.

Matt Breida is next up on the depth chart and would likely get the lion share of RB touches if Barkley is forced to sit out.

At an NFL-best 11-1, Sunday's matchup already favored the Eagles against a stumbling and very-banged up Giants squad, and they could stand to gain a further advantage should Barkley sit out and quarterback Daniel Jones is all that's left to really worry about.