In a stunning revelation that has left Philadelphia Eagles fans reeling, star running back Saquon Barkley announced on March 27, 2025, that he is grappling with multiple injuries that could jeopardize his participation in the upcoming 2025 NFL season. The news, shared via a somber Instagram post, comes just weeks after Barkley’s record-setting 2024 campaign, where he rushed for 2,504 yards, earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors, and led the Eagles to a Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The sudden disclosure has sparked confusion and concern among the Eagles faithful, who were expecting another dominant year from their newly extended, highest-paid running back in NFL history.
Barkley, who signed a two-year, $41.2 million extension on March 4, detailed a series of ailments in his post: a lingering shoulder issue, a reaggravated right knee (previously torn ACL in 2020), and a newly discovered stress fracture in his left foot. “It’s been a tough few weeks finding this out,” he wrote. “I’ve been pushing my body to the limit, but these injuries need time—I owe it to my team and family to get right.” The announcement blindsided fans, as Barkley had shown no visible signs of struggle during the Super Bowl parade, where he gifted his offensive linemen truckloads of beer and pulled a ball boy into the celebration, endearing himself further to Philly.
The timing raises questions. Barkley’s 2024 season was a masterclass—2,857 scrimmage yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, and a Super Bowl ring on his 28th birthday—yet his injury history looms large. A torn ACL, multiple ankle sprains, and now these new setbacks echo the concerns that led the New York Giants to let him walk in 2024. Fans on X are split: “Saquon’s body breaking down already? We just paid him $41M!” one wrote, while another pleaded, “Rest up, king—Philly needs you!” Jalen Hurts, who recently called for Aaron Rodgers’ experience, hasn’t commented, but Nick Sirianni’s earlier draft teases of veterans like Rodgers suggest a contingency plan might be in play.
With Kenneth Gainwell a free agent and Will Shipley unproven, the Eagles face a potential crisis at running back. Barkley’s injuries could derail their repeat hopes, leaving fans confused and the NFL wondering if Philly’s gamble on a 28-year-old with a heavy workload will backfire. Will Barkley recover in time, or is this the beginning of a steep decline? The City of Brotherly Love holds its breath.
