Saquon Barkley is slowed by a “minor” injury and is losing ground in the pursuit of Dickerson’s record

PHILADELPHIA – Eagles running back Saquon Barkley suffered a setback in his quest for the NFL single-season rushing record when he appeared to be slowed by an undisclosed injury.

After amassing more than 100 yards rushing in each of his last four games, Barkley ran for 65 yards on 19 carries in Philadelphia’s 27-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday – a 3.4-yard average and his second-lowest total of the season .

Barkley remained the NFL’s all-time rushing leader with 1,688 yards – although he lost ground in pursuit of record holder Eric Dickerson’s 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984.

Barkley needs 418 yards over the last three games – just over 139 yards per game – to break Dickerson’s record. Barkley, 27, has surpassed that total five times this season.

Barkley was drilled in the right knee by Pittsburgh’s Minkah Fitzpatrick and then landed on his right shoulder late in the first quarter. He was briefly examined and returned to the sidelines, helmet in hand.

After the score, he rushed twice for three yards and didn’t have another carry until after halftime.

Barkley wouldn’t say exactly what was bothering him, saying only that his right knee was fine and he wasn’t injured by Fitzpatrick’s hit.

“Nothing crazy. “Little minor,” Barkley said. “Get ready for next week.”

The Eagles (12-2) can secure the NFC East with a win next Sunday in Washington. Their final two games are both at home, against Dallas and the New York Giants.

Barkley left the New York Giants in the offseason and signed a three-year contract worth $26 million guaranteed to join the Eagles, who made him the highest-paid running back in franchise history.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL