Going into the Week 18 game, many fans were disappointed (while others thrilled) about the fact that Saquon Barkley would not be playing, one of many starters who rested in this game. Prior to the game, Saquon had 2,005 rushing yards on the season, just 100 shy of breaking the 40-year-old record for most rushing yards in a single season, currently held by Eric Dickerson, who broke the record back in 1984. Despite the extra game, Saquon could’ve had the opportunity to break the record in less rushing yards. The biggest reason that people didn’t want him to play was the risk of injury. So, was it the right call to sit Saquon? Personally. I believe that answer is yes.

The game against the Giants was considered a “meaningless” game. No matter the outcome of that game or any NFC game across the league, the Eagles were locked into the #2 seed. It wouldn’t make sense to put your starters in a meaningless game if there is a risk of injury, which in professional football, is always the case. We saw an incident last year, where AJ Brown was injured in the final regular season game, when the Eagles already locked in a playoff spot, and was unable to perform in the wild card matchup, a game in which the Eagles were blown out by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32-9. Fans were distraught that our WR1 wasn’t able to help secure a victory, a game that could’ve had a different outcome. Fans would’ve been absolutely mortified if the same thing happened this year with Saquon Barkley, on a gamble to break an NFL record, while Super Bowl hopes are still alive.

Across the league, at least 32 players were injured/did not return to their game in Week 18 matchups. These included Packers QB Jordan Love and WR Christian Watson (who was carted off the field), Lions CB Terrion Arnold, 49ers RB Issac Guerendo, Seahawks QB Geno Smith and CB Riq Woolen, Saints TE Foster Moreau (carted off with knee injury), Patriots WR Kayson Boutte, Texans WR John Metchie III, and Rams RB Blake Corum, who broke his freaking forearm. These are big name players for their respective teams, some of whom were playing in “meaningless” games.

 For the Packers, they lose their WR1 in Christian Watson to an ACL tear for their upcoming matchup against the Birds, as well as potential time in the 2025 season. We wish Watson an efficient and speedy recovery, along with others who suffered significant injuries during their games.

 Sitting Saquon prevented him from joining that list of injured players. While chasing NFL history is exciting, the health of our players is of the utmost importance. No matter what decision head coach Nick Sirianni made, it was going to be met with animosity. However, I think the right call was made. Go Birds.

-Mike Roscoe/ 2nd & 15 Podcast

Saquon (White Jersey): Bleeding Green Nation

Saquon (Kelly Green): NBC News