Saquon Barkley was slowed by a “minor” injury in the Eagles’ win over the Steelers

PHILADELPHIA – Saquon Barkley missed large chunks of playing time during the Philadelphia Eagles’ 27-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. But why?

Barkley said after the game that he was “struggling with a little thing.” He added that it was “nothing crazy, just a little minor,” but declined to elaborate further on what bothered him about Lincoln Financial Field.

“I won’t go into it too much,” Barkley said. “But the boys stepped up. Kenny (Gainwell) was able to make some big plays for us and I was able to hold on.”

Barkley had 65 rushing yards on 19 carries and added nine yards receiving. For the second time in the Eagles’ last nine games, he managed fewer than 100 rushing yards.

Barkley ceded snaps to Gainwell, the Eagles’ backup and third-down tailback. Gainwell carried seven balls for 20 yards and had three catches for 40 yards.

Barkley’s missing time didn’t cost the Eagles the game, but it did hurt his quest for the NFL’s single-season rushing record. The former Penn State star now has 1,688 rushing yards with three regular-season games remaining in his first year with the Eagles. His pace is around 2,050 yards – just shy of Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,105 yards.

Barkley and the Eagles visit the Washington Commanders next Sunday with a chance to clinch the NFC East. Philadelphia and Washington begin at 1 p.m