"I Have to Play Fearless": Saquon Barkley Cleared, Refuses to Change Violent Running Style Despite Stinger
Philadelphia's workhorse back says hesitating on the field invites more injuries ahead of Monday Night clash with Chicago.
Key Story Takeaways
- Barkley suffered a nerve stinger in his neck/shoulder region in Week 2 but returned to full practice participation.
- Philadelphia's medical staff gave Barkley unconditional clearance for full contact Friday.
- Barkley has generated 226 rushing yards and 3 total touchdowns through two weeks with the Eagles.
- Monday Night Football against the Bears marks Barkley's third primetime start of the young season.
PHILADELPHIA — When the Philadelphia Eagles take the Soldier Field turf on Monday night against the Chicago Bears, Saquon Barkley will be in his usual spot in the backfield—and he has zero plans to tone down the violence in his running style.
Barkley sent a brief chill through Lincoln Financial Field last week when he collided with a defender and stayed down with an arm numbness caused by a cervical stinger. But after passing contact testing with flying colors on Friday, Barkley dismissed the idea that he might run more cautiously.
Barkley: "Hesitation Gets You Hurt"
"I have to play fearless. That's the only way I know how to run the football," Barkley told reporters at his locker. "If I go out there hesitant or trying to protect my neck and shoulder, that's when you really get hurt. When you commit to a hole, you hit it with everything you have."
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised Barkley's grit and preparation:
"Saquon looked explosive in individual drills. He cleared full contact testing and is ready to roll. He's a physical tone-setter for our entire football team."
Philadelphia's Ground Supremacy
With Jalen Hurts orchestrating RPO reads behind Philadelphia's dominant interior offensive line, Barkley has looked completely rejuvenated. Chicago's front seven gave up 140 rushing yards last week, setting the stage for another heavy Barkley workload on national television.