The Philadelphia Eagles took the lead over the San Francisco 49ers in the middle of the fourth quarter. It has been a back-and-forth affair with each team exchanging blows. The Eagles have the advantage, but this game could swing either way. However, Eagles fans held their breath after Saquon Barkley came off the field banged up.
What Happened to Saquon Barkley?
Barkley was getting plenty of action in the fourth quarter and broke the 100-yard mark on the ground. After a carry in San Francisco territory, Barkley was hit hard and stayed on the ground for a while.
Eventually, Barkley was able to jog off the field, but he didn’t come back on the next play. Barkley returned on the ensuing drive with the Philadelphia season on the line. The first two plays were two passes to Barkley. He couldn’t do much with these check-down receptions, but it is an indication that he is healthy and trusted to make plays.
Barkley is up to 106 yards on the ground and three catches for 25 yards. He’s looked like the player he was last season, while the rest of the offense continues to look unimpressive and struggle.
The Eagles have the 15th-ranked offense in PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric with an impact score of 74.6. With the talent that they have on the offensive end, it would have been hard to imagine that the Eagles would have an offense in the middle of the NFL.
Barkley’s season was an example of the Eagles’ struggles. The reigning Offensive Player of the Year ranks 34th in PFSN’s RB Impact Metric after finishing third in 2024.
The Super Bowl champions won’t be repeating after the 49ers clawed their way to another victory. The Eagles’ offense couldn’t get it done, even with the decimated 49ers defense missing their stars, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.
It’s going to be an interesting offseason ahead for the Eagles. There needs to be changes in Philadelphia because this season was far from their standard. Whether Nick Sirianni, OC Kevin Patullo, or some of the players are on the chopping block, change will be coming to Philadelphia. Last year, it seemed like destiny, and this year, this ending felt like a certain fate for the Eagles.
It’s back to the drawing board for Philadelphia. The fans aren’t happy, and the title defense didn’t even last more than a round. But if there’s any consolation prize, Barkley turned out to be fine from his injury.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
