Saquon Barkley Injury Update: Eagles RB Exits Career-Best Game With Groin Issue

The Philadelphia Eagles finally found their rhythm in Week 8, rediscovering the physical dominance that has long defined their identity. Their 38–20 win over the New York Giants was powered by a rejuvenated run game led by Saquon Barkley, who delivered his best performance of the season — and arguably his best since joining the Eagles.

But what began as a statement game for Barkley ended in frustration and concern. The star running back left late in the third quarter with a groin injury, cutting short what had been a spectacular afternoon against his former team.

🦅 A Fast Start Turns Into a Showcase

It took just two plays for Barkley to announce his arrival. On the Eagles’ first offensive possession, he took a handoff, found a crease through the left side of the line, and exploded downfield for a 65-yard touchdown run. The play set the tone for what would become a vintage Barkley performance — explosive, powerful, and efficient.

By the end of the third quarter, Barkley had amassed 14 carries for 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns, adding another 24 yards on four receptions. His 174 total yards from scrimmage marked his most productive outing of the 2025 season, surpassing his previous high of 88 rushing yards against the Kansas City Chiefs.

More importantly, he looked like the game-changer the Eagles envisioned when they acquired him — a back capable of breaking open defenses, controlling tempo, and giving Jalen Hurts the balance he needs to run the offense effectively.

“Saquon was locked in from the first play,” said left tackle Jordan Mailata after the game. “He ran angry. You could feel it in the huddle. He was ready to go.”

⚠️ The Injury Scare

The momentum, however, came to a halt late in the third quarter. Following a 28-yard burst through the middle of the Giants’ defense, Barkley appeared to pull up mid-stride, slightly grimacing before heading toward the sideline. He was seen limping lightly as trainers escorted him to the medical tent.

Moments later, the Eagles announced that Barkley was questionable to return with a groin injury. Given the team’s commanding lead and the upcoming bye week, head coach Nick Sirianni opted to keep Barkley sidelined for the rest of the game.

“Out of precaution,” Sirianni told reporters. “He wanted to go back in, but with where we were in the game, it made sense to be smart about it.”

After the game, sideline reporter Erin Andrews relayed that Barkley told her the injury wasn’t serious and that he “didn’t even want to leave the game.” That statement brought some relief to Eagles fans, though groin injuries can be notoriously tricky, especially for running backs who rely on burst and agility.

💪 Barkley’s Best Performance Yet

Even with the early exit, Barkley’s stat line stood out across the league. His 10.7 yards per carry was the highest single-game average of his career, and his 150 rushing yards marked the fifth-highest total of his NFL tenure.

It was also the first time since 2020 that Barkley reached the 150-yard mark in a game — a sign that he’s finally rediscovering the explosiveness that made him one of the league’s most feared players earlier in his career.

His performance helped fuel a season-high 276 rushing yards for the Eagles as a team, the most by any NFL squad in a single game this year. Rookie Tank Bigsby contributed another 104 yards, making the pair the first Philadelphia running backs to both surpass 100 yards in a game since LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown did it in 2013.

“It felt like everything clicked,” Barkley said in the locker room. “The O-line dominated up front, Tank made big plays, and we just fed off each other. It’s fun when the whole team is rolling like that.”

🧠 The Bigger Picture for the Eagles

For the Eagles, Barkley’s injury comes at a somewhat fortunate time. With a Week 9 bye, the team now has a chance to regroup and recover. Several key players — including A.J. Brown, Cam Jurgens, and now Barkley — will use the extra week to get healthy before the stretch run.

Philadelphia currently sits at 6–2, tied for second in the NFC, and looks to be finding its groove after a few uneven performances earlier in the season. The team’s reestablished rushing attack gives them flexibility and identity heading into the toughest part of their schedule, which includes matchups against the Cowboys, 49ers, and Chiefs.

But the question now is whether Barkley will be ready to go when the team returns from the bye.

“We’re being cautious, but I feel fine,” Barkley said postgame. “I’ll take the week, get treatment, and be ready to roll.”

🔍 Understanding Groin Injuries for Running Backs

Groin strains are common among athletes who depend on acceleration, cutting, and lateral movement — all essential to a running back’s skill set. The severity of the injury can range from mild discomfort to multi-week absences, depending on the extent of the strain.

Early indications suggest that Barkley’s issue is minor, and the week off should provide enough time for recovery. However, the Eagles medical staff will likely monitor his workload closely once practice resumes.

Given Barkley’s history of injuries during his tenure with the Giants, the Eagles are expected to manage his snaps carefully going forward, particularly with Bigsby proving he can handle an expanded role.

🗣️ Inside the Locker Room Reaction

Barkley’s teammates expressed both admiration for his performance and concern for his health.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts praised Barkley’s leadership and work ethic:

“Saquon’s energy is contagious. He sets the tone for us — not just with his play, but with how he carries himself. We all feed off that.”

Bigsby, who closed out the game after Barkley’s exit, called it an honor to share the backfield.

“I learn a lot just watching him run. He’s explosive, smart, and calm under pressure. I just wanted to finish what he started.”

Mailata, the left tackle who helped spring Barkley’s long touchdown, smiled when asked about the running back’s intensity.

“He’s built different. I’ve seen him in practice — the guy doesn’t slow down. I doubt a small tweak is going to stop him.”

🏁 Looking Ahead: Recovery and Redemption

The Eagles’ Week 8 win was about more than just revenge on the Giants — it was a reaffirmation of who they are as a football team. Tough, physical, and relentless. And at the heart of that identity is Saquon Barkley.

His injury, while concerning, doesn’t appear to threaten that momentum. If anything, it might serve as a reminder of his value and the importance of keeping him healthy for the playoff push.

With the bye week providing a cushion, the Eagles can take their time to ensure Barkley is fully ready for Week 10. The coaching staff remains optimistic that he’ll suit up without restrictions.

“He’s a competitor,” Sirianni said. “He’ll do everything possible to be ready. That’s who he is.”

For now, Eagles fans can exhale knowing their star back avoided serious harm — and that when he returns, the best version of Saquon Barkley may still be ahead.

Final line:
14 carries, 150 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 24 receiving yards — and a reminder that the Eagles’ offense runs best when No. 26 is leading the charge.