Eagles Shocker: Saquon Barkley Ruled OUT Saturday
Eagles’ Star Running Back Saquon Barkley Sits Out Preseason Opener Against Ravens
Important Points
- This is a preseason game (a practice game that doesn’t count for the regular season standings).
- Star players often sit out preseason games to avoid injury.
- Saquon Barkley is the Eagles’ starting running back and had a huge season last year.
What Happened?
The Philadelphia Eagles are playing their first preseason game of the year against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. According to reporter Brooks Kubena from The Athletic, Saquon Barkley will not be wearing a uniform. That means he won’t play at all.
Think of it like a dress rehearsal for a school play: the lead actor (Barkley) stays backstage to save energy for opening night.
Who Else Is Sitting Out?
Barkley isn’t the only big name taking the night off. Several wide receivers are also not dressed for the game:
- DeVonta Smith – dealing with a hamstring injury (a pulled muscle in the back of the thigh)
- Makai Lemon – also has a hamstring injury
- Johnny Wilson – reason not specified, but he’s not suited up
Good news: The report says most of the Eagles’ other skill-position players (like other receivers, tight ends, and quarterbacks) are expected to play.
Who Will Play Running Back?
With Barkley resting, the Eagles will give carries to their backup running backs. Here are the healthy options available for Saturday:
- Tank Bigsby
- Will Shipley
- Carson Steele
- Ja’Quinden Jackson
This is a great chance for these players to show the coaches what they can do in a real game situation.
How Did Barkley Do Last Season?
The article mentions Barkley’s "2025 campaign," but it’s actually referring to his 2024 regular season (his first year with the Eagles). Even though the writer calls it "subpar (for him)," the numbers are still incredible:
- 1,413 yards from scrimmage (rushing + receiving yards combined)
- 9 total touchdowns
- 317 touches (times he carried or caught the ball)
- Played in all 16 regular-season games
Translation for a 5-year-old: He touched the ball almost 20 times per game, scored almost once every two games, and gained nearly 90 yards per game. That’s like running the length of a football field 14 times every Sunday!
Why Does This Matter?
For Fantasy Football Players
If you drafted Barkley, don’t panic! This is 100% normal. Star players almost never play in the first preseason game. He’ll be ready for Week 1 of the regular season.
For Eagles Fans
- You get a long look at the backup running backs.
- You can see how the offense works without its biggest stars.
- It’s a chance to spot a "hidden gem" — a player who might become important later in the year.
For the Team
Coaches want to:
- Keep their best players healthy.
- Evaluate the backups under real game pressure.
- Practice game-day operations (travel, sideline communication, etc.).
What to Expect Next: A Quick Guide
- Watch the game (or check the box score) to see how Bigsby, Shipley, Steele, and Jackson perform.
- Monitor injury reports for Smith and Lemon — hamstrings can be tricky.
- Expect Barkley to play in the second or third preseason game, or possibly not at all until Week 1.
- Remember: Preseason stats don’t count! A running back gaining 100 yards here doesn’t go in the record books.
Summary
- Saquon Barkley (Eagles’ star RB) is sitting out Saturday’s preseason game vs. Ravens — normal for veterans.
- Three wide receivers (Smith, Lemon, Wilson) are also out; Smith and Lemon have hamstring injuries.
- Four backup RBs (Bigsby, Shipley, Steele, Jackson) will get all the carries.
- Barkley’s 2024 season was elite: 1,413 scrimmage yards, 9 TDs, 16 games played.
- No need to worry — this is standard NFL preseason management.
FAQ
Is Saquon Barkley injured?
No. The report doesn’t mention any injury. Veterans routinely sit out the first preseason game to stay fresh and avoid unnecessary hits.
Should I be worried about DeVonta Smith’s hamstring?
Hamstrings are tricky, but it’s early August. The Eagles have plenty of time to get him right before the regular season starts in September. "Not dressed" for a preseason game is often just precaution.
Who is Tank Bigsby? Will Shipley? Carson Steele? Ja’Quinden Jackson?
They are backup running backs fighting for roster spots and the "RB2" job (the primary backup to Barkley). This game is their audition.
Do preseason games count for anything?
No. They are exhibition games. The standings reset to 0-0 when the regular season starts. They matter only for evaluation and roster decisions.
When will Barkley play his first real game?
Week 1 of the regular season (typically the first or second weekend of September). He might play a quarter or two in the second or third preseason game, but many stars now skip the entire preseason.