Saquon Barkley (Image via Getty Images)
He has produced at least 115 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown in each of his last six games against the Commanders. His 2025 season further underlined his value. Barkley finished with 1,140 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. He added 273 receiving yards and two touchdowns, finishing the year with 1,413 total yards from scrimmage. The Commanders ranked 30th in the NFL against the run last season, allowing 141.8 rushing yards per game. Since entering the NFL in 2018, he ranks second in league history with 8,356 rushing yards and third with 11,007 scrimmage yards. He also became only the sixth player ever to reach at least 7,500 rushing yards and 2,500 receiving yards during his first 100 games.
Because philadelphia’s offense remains heavily built around his ability to create explosive plays, his availability is particularly important. The star running back enters the season carrying a remarkable scoring streak against Washington, while the matchup also presents a favorable opportunity on the ground. Philadelphia will likely lean on Barkley early as it looks to control the game and give Jalen Hurts a strong platform in the season opener. Yes. Barkley has also developed into a major problem for Washington. Barkley does not simply have a strong statistical history against Washington. He has repeatedly found ways to influence games from both the running and receiving sides. Washington’s defense could have trouble slowing Philadelphia’s ground game. That weakness lines up perfectly with what the Eagles want to do. Philadelphia can establish Barkley early, force Washington’s defenders to commit to the run and then open opportunities for Hurts through play-action. The offensive line gives Barkley another advantage. Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens and Lane Johnson provide Philadelphia with an experienced group capable of creating running lanes and helping the Eagles dictate the tempo. Barkley’s career numbers also explain why Washington cannot afford to focus only on Hurts. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines For Philadelphia, getting Barkley involved is about more than chasing another big performance. A productive afternoon could keep Washington’s defense on the field, reduce pressure on Hurts and help the Eagles control possession. The Commanders have made changes to their defense since last season, but Barkley’s track record means they will have little room for error. For Barkley, meanwhile, the goal is simple: keep the streak alive and give Philadelphia’s offense the kind of start it needs. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Saquon Barkley is expected to be on the field when the Philadelphia Eagles face the Washington Commanders today. Saquon Barkley is expected to play against the Washington Commanders today. There is no indication in the provided injury information that Barkley is dealing with an issue that would keep him out of today’s game. That streak gives today’s matchup an intriguing storyline. If he continues his extraordinary run against Washington, the Eagles could quickly establish control of today’s matchup.