In the Philadelphia Eagles victory over the Cleveland Browns, star running back Saquon Barkley only recorded 47 rushing yards on 18 attempts in the entire game.
This is particularly disappointing for Barkley, who has averaged 108.75 rushing yards and one touchdown per game this season.
That being said, he is probably even more disappointed with a fine he received from the NFL for the game.
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 29: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles walks off the field prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.
Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
According to a report from Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Barkley has been $45,020 for unnecessary roughness.
This is specifically in reference to a play in which Barkley used his helmet to move through a Cleveland defender.
This is likely in response to the NFL‘s attempt to reduce concussions in football.
This is likely in response to the NFL‘s attempt to reduce concussions in football. That being said, this seems like an exorbitant amount for a situation where nobody was directly injured.
Barkley is widely considered one of the best running backs in the NFL today. So far this season, he has rushed for 482 yards and four touchdowns on 91 attempts in five games. Additionally, he has recorded 14 receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown.
This marks Barkley’s first season with the Eagles. He was originally selected by the New York Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft as the second overall pick, just behind the Browns’ selecting quarterback Baker Mayfield.
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Barkley had an incredible rookie season, recording 1,307 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 261 attempts. Additionally, he recorded 91 receptions for 721 yards and four touchdowns.
Barkley wound up leading the league in yards from scrimmage (2,028) and set the NFL record for most receptions by a rookie running back (91). He was also named to the Pro Bowl and the PFWA All-Rookie Team, as well as NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
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Despite missing games due to injury, Barkley managed to record another 1,000+ yard season, recording 1,003 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 217 attempts. He also made 52 receptions for 438 yards and two touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Barkley’s next two seasons were marred by injury. However, he made a dominant return in 2022, rushing for a career-high 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was named to his second Pro Bowl that year.
In total, Barkley has rushed for 5,693 yards and 39 touchdowns on 1,292 attempts while also making 302 receptions for 2,192 yards and 13 touchdowns.
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