Saquon Barkley Ruled OUT: Eagles Star Misses Saturday
Eagles Preseason Update: Star Players Sit Out Opener Against Ravens
A simple breakdown of who’s playing, who’s resting, and what it means for the upcoming season.
What Happened?
The Philadelphia Eagles traveled to Baltimore for their first preseason game of the year, but several of their biggest offensive stars stayed on the sideline in street clothes. This is totally normal for the NFL preseason—think of it like a dress rehearsal where the lead actors watch from the audience to avoid getting hurt before the real show starts.
Who’s Sitting Out?
The following key players did not dress (meaning they weren’t even eligible to play) for Saturday’s game:
- Saquon Barkley – Starting Running Back (RB)
- DeVonta Smith – Starting Wide Receiver (WR) – hamstring issue
- Makai Lemon – Wide Receiver – hamstring issue
- Johnny Wilson – Wide Receiver
IMPORTANT POINT
Preseason games don’t count toward the regular-season record. Coaches use them to evaluate backups and rookies. Veterans like Barkley and Smith have nothing to prove and everything to lose (injury risk), so teams almost always hold them out.
Who’s Getting the Carries? (Running Back Depth Chart)
With Barkley resting, the Eagles gave their other running backs a chance to show what they can do. Here are the healthy options who suited up:
- Tank Bigsby
- Will Shipley
- Carson Steele
- Ja’Quinden Jackson
These players are fighting for backup roles or a spot on the practice squad. A strong preseason performance could mean the difference between making the final 53-man roster or being cut.
Barkley’s 2025 Season in a Nutshell
Even though he’s sitting this one out, Barkley is coming off a solid 2025 campaign. Here’s the stat line (translated simply):
| Stat | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 1,413 scrimmage yards | Total yards gained running + catching the ball |
| 9 total touchdowns | 9 times he reached the end zone |
| 317 touches | Number of times he carried or caught the ball |
| 16 games played | He stayed healthy all year (huge for a RB!) |
NOTE
The article calls this "subpar (for him)." That’s because Barkley is an elite talent—he’s had seasons with 2,000+ yards. For almost any other back, 1,413 yards and 9 TDs would be a career year.
Why This Matters for Fans & Fantasy Managers
- No panic: Starters sitting in Week 1 of preseason is standard operating procedure.
- Depth check: This is your best look at RBs 2–4 on the depth chart.
- Fantasy impact: Barkley’s ADP (Average Draft Position) shouldn’t move—he’s still the clear RB1 when the real games start.
- Injury watch: Smith and Lemon’s hamstrings are the only minor concerns; both are expected back soon.
Summary
- Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, and two other WRs did not play in the Eagles’ preseason opener at Baltimore.
- This is completely normal—teams protect star players during meaningless exhibition games.
- Backup RBs (Bigsby, Shipley, Steele, Jackson) got extended playing time to compete for roster spots.
- Barkley’s 2025 stats were strong by any standard, even if they dipped slightly from his personal peaks.
- Nothing changes for the regular season: The Eagles’ offense still runs through Barkley and Smith when the games count.
FAQ
1. What is an NFL preseason game?
It’s an exhibition game played before the regular season. The results don’t count in the standings. Teams use them to evaluate players, test schemes, and get rookies experience.
2. Why do stars like Barkley sit out?
Injury risk. A torn ACL in a meaningless August game could ruin a Super Bowl run. Veterans have guaranteed contracts and proven track records—they don’t need to prove anything in preseason.
3. Who is Tank Bigsby?
A young running back (drafted in 2023) trying to lock down the RB2 spot behind Barkley. Preseason is his audition.
4. Should I worry about DeVonta Smith’s hamstring?
Probably not. "Hamstring" in August usually means "minor tightness, held out for caution." If he’s still out in Week 1 of the regular season, then worry.
5. Does this affect my fantasy football draft?
No. Draft Barkley and Smith exactly where you planned. Preseason absences for established stars are already baked into their ADP.