Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is confronting significant workload concerns following a season in which he carried the ball 482 times across the regular season and postseason. Despite health risks linked to such heavy usage, the Eagles and Barkley are hesitant to reduce his time on the field as he remains a critical component of their offense.
Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo acknowledged the issue but emphasized the importance of Barkley’s decision-making during games, underscoring the situation as a game-by-game balance. Patullo also noted Barkley’s keen self-awareness in managing his playing time to avoid burnout while still contributing at a high level.
Increased Leadership and Accountability for Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels, entering his second NFL season as the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders, has taken on more leadership duties, including holding teammates accountable for their mistakes. Head coach Dan Quinn highlighted that Daniels was intentionally shielded from these responsibilities as a rookie to allow him to focus on mastering the quarterback position without added pressure.
Quinn said,
“Don’t worry about, ‘You get lined up here, you do this, you do that. We wanted him to be a great teammate and absolutely crush playing quarterback. So much can be put on kids: ‘Lead more, lead more.’ Right now, I want you to build your relationship with your teammates, who are learning you, and play quarterback. You don’t have to bring the team up. You don’t have to put the organization on your shoulders. Leave that to us.”
—Dan Quinn, Head Coach
Daniels described the difference between his rookie and sophomore seasons as “most definitely night and day,” citing his increased comfort in the offensive system under coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. He explained that he now better understands protections, running plays, and adjustments based on defensive looks, which allows him to operate more confidently.
Running back Austin Ekeler praised Daniels’ leadership growth, recalling an instance when Daniels removed a player from the huddle after a false start, setting a higher standard for behavior and performance on the field.
Ekeler remarked,
“He said, ‘Get out, we can’t be doing that. That’s leadership we wouldn’t have seen last year. He’s holding the standard, letting everyone know this is how we play. If you’re not playing at this level, you can’t be on the field. That’s awesome to see in a quarterback.”
—Austin Ekeler, Washington RB
Eagles’ Offensive Strategy Focuses on Maintaining Run Game While Managing Barkley’s Workload
Philadelphia’s offensive approach remains rooted in a strong running game, with Kevin Patullo, in his first season as offensive coordinator, aiming to build on the system already in place. Patullo described the offense as maintaining its core identity while introducing occasional new elements as the team navigates training camp.
He explained,
“We’re still the Eagles offense, and I don’t think that’ll change. I think it starts with the run game up front and we build from there. And then obviously we’d like to try new things here and there. So we’ll see how that goes throughout training camp and where it leads us.”
—Kevin Patullo, Eagles Offensive Coordinator
Patullo also commented on the ongoing talks with Barkley about managing his heavy workload, emphasizing the flexible nature of decisions to rest or keep Barkley on the field. Barkley’s own sense of when to take breaks will be critical for sustaining his performance throughout the season.
“We’ve kind of talked about that, he and I have,”
Patullo said.
“I think it’s very game-specific. It depends on how the flow of the game goes. He does a really good job of knowing himself, of knowing when he needs to come out, when he wants to go back in. So a lot of that will be on him, obviously, during games, and he’s really good about paying attention to that.”
—Kevin Patullo, Eagles Offensive Coordinator
Giants Running Back Devin Singletary Stresses Ongoing Competition at Position
Meanwhile, New York Giants running back Devin Singletary remains determined to hold onto his role atop the depth chart while welcoming competition from teammate Tyrone Tracy. Singletary highlighted the importance of continual effort and proving oneself to maintain a spot in the lineup.
“When you first come in until you’re on your way out, you have to prove yourself,”
Singletary said.
“The second you get comfortable, you are definitely on your way out. There are running backs my age or older who are proving we still can produce.”
—Devin Singletary, Giants RB
Singletary has developed a mentoring relationship with Tracy, offering advice as Tracy embarks on his second year. He encouraged Tracy to focus on his own style despite increased scrutiny from opponents analyzing game film.
“It’s not going to be a surprise,”
Singletary told Tracy.
“Just know guys are watching tape on you now, so it might be a little tougher, but continue to be you and you are going to be all right.”
—Devin Singletary, Giants RB
Giants head coach Brian Daboll acknowledged the challenge of differentiating running back roles in a way that avoids tipping off opposing defenses.
“Back in the day, there’s times we had a first- and second-down back and then we had a third-down back… but sometimes that gives [defensive] indicators, too, of, ‘All right, this guy’s in the game. We can eliminate some options,’”
Daboll said. —Brian Daboll, Giants Head Coach
Strategic Planning Critical as RBs Face Physical Demands of Modern NFL
The concerns surrounding Saquon Barkley’s workload reflect a larger trend in the NFL where teams are increasingly cautious with their lead running backs, understanding the physical toll and injury risks linked to excessive use. Barkley’s situation illustrates the delicate balance between leveraging his explosive talent and preserving his long-term health.
Patullo’s approach, emphasizing Barkley’s self-awareness and game flow adjustments, indicates a collaborative strategy aimed at maximizing performance without compromising durability. This method highlights a nuanced shift in how teams manage star running backs amid evolving offensive philosophies.
With Barkley remaining a focal point for the Eagles’ offense, how the team navigates his touches will likely be a key storyline in the upcoming season. Success in managing his workload could serve as a model for other franchises grappling with similar challenges with their primary ball carriers.