In NFL news, running backs are making headlines.
The primary focus is on Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley and his quest for Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. However, other running backs are gaining attention. Notably, the Cowboys have released veteran Ezekiel Elliott. And the Lions are debating when David Montgomery might be back on the field.
These factors will impact Week 18’s schedule and the playoffs, which are set to start on the weekend of January 11-12.
Nick Sirianni Will Rest Saquon Barkley
Early in the week, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said the organization would decide if Saquon Barkley gets the chance to break Dickerson’s rushing record in Week 18 against the New York Giants.
At midweek, Sirianni said he would “rest some guys,” including Barkley.
This is a no-brainer.
The game is irrelevant to Philadelphia. They are locked in as the number two seed in the NFC. Their focus is on the Wild Card round a week later.
It would be organizational malpractice for a team with viable Super Bowl aspirations to let the linchpin to their offense get injured against his former team, the New York Giants, to chase a contextually meaningless and subjective record.
Dickerson set the record with 2,105 yards in 1984. He did it in 16 games. If Barkley were to break it, he would need 17 games. Dickerson rushed 379 times and averaged 5.6 yards per carry. He caught 21 balls. Barkley has 2,005 yards on 345 carries and caught 33 balls.
The “Which great back had a better year?” argument will last forever even with Dickerson holding onto the record. It’s stuff for internet exchanges, around dinner tables, and in bars, not a concern when there are more important matters like chasing a Super Bowl.
Cowboys Release Ezekiel Elliott
Dallas released running back Elliott at his request to pursue potential opportunities with a playoff contender.
Elliott has not played much this season. He has rushed for 226 yards on 74 carries and caught 12 balls for 69 yards. The Cowboys’ rushing attack has been a weak point all season. They did not see Elliott as a solution. The team disciplined him and he did not suit up in Week 9.
He could be signed to a practice squad as insurance.
Cincinnati received positive news on Chase Brown after his Week 17 ankle injury against Pittsburgh. It is not considered serious.
The LA Chargers’ J.K. Dobbins recently returned to action after an MCL sprain. His backfield counterpart Gus Edwards has an ankle injury.
The Chiefs’ Isiah Pacheco suffered a rib injury in Week 17, but Kansas City has two weeks off after Week 18.
The Lions Are Hopeful About David Montgomery
Detroit’s running game took a hit when “Knuckles” David Montgomery in their “Sonic and Knuckles” backfield tandem with Jahmyr Gibbs suffered an MCL injury against Buffalo.
At first, the Lions expected Montgomery to need surgery and miss the rest of the season. However, he is rehabbing and trying to get back on the field, perhaps as early as Sunday against Minnesota.
The Vikings-Lions game is tantamount to a playoff game with the winner getting the NFC’s number one seed and the loser dropping to the fifth seed. The ambiguity over Montgomery’s status this week is intentional so Minnesota’s coaching staff needs to spend some time preparing for him even if he is not expected to play.
He will likely be out. Perhaps he can be ready for the playoffs.
These players and their status must be considered when determining who will win and their statistics.
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