Saquon Barkley, other Eagles' starters to rest vs. New York Giants

Saquon Barkley and other Philadelphia Eagles’ starters will rest Sunday against the New York Giants.

With that, Barkley’s chase for Eric Dickerson’s single season rushing record will end. He needed 101 yards to break the record.

Head coach Nick Sirianni spoke Wednesday and revealed why he made the decision.

“I’m not going to get into all that,” Sirianni said. ‘I mean, obviously a lot plays into it. Obviously, it’s a very special record that’s that’s been standing for a very long time by a great player. It’s a team record that everybody’s involved in. So you weigh in all those things, but at the end of the day, you just try to do what’s best for the team. …It’s not easy. It wasn’t the easiest decision to go through.

“But we have great people in this building, and had a lot of input from a lot of different people — players included. Howie and I discussed a bunch. Position coaches and coordinators, and I discussed a bunch. Discussed with players, and we have just selfless guys that want to do what’s best for the football team. Get some guys some rest.”

Barkley needed 101 rushing yards in Week 18 to break the record, which he could’ve possibly achieved with fewer carries. At the beginning of Sunday Night Football, Barkley answered a few questions about potentially breaking the record.

“It’s an honor to be mentioned in the same category as him and what he’s been able to accomplish. But yeah, I know that I wouldn’t have been able to even be mentioned in that without the guys up front, the tight ends and the wide receivers and our coaches here. So, it’s a blessing but, you know, whatever happens happens,” Barkley explained.

“I’m ready if, you know, we have the opportunity to do it or if I rest and get ready for the playoffs too, I’m down for that.”

What are his thoughts on Eric Dickerson not wanting Barkley to break the record?

“I can break the record. Let’s say that. But you know, I get it. I wouldn’t want my records to be broken. But to me, it’s all cool. I’m a little kid living a dream, to even have those conversations to be mentioned in that. I’m a big fan of the position, big fan of the game. You know, I remember when AP, when I watched the game AP came close to doing it,” Barkley noted.

“I remember watching YouTube, Barry Sanders rushed for 2000 against the Jets. I’m living the dream, so it doesn’t mean that much to me. But I’m on cloud nine just having fun. And just excited that we’ve clinched the division and get ready for the playoffs.”

Wade Peery contributed to this report