Saquon Barkley injury history: How realistic is a healthy run with the Eagles?

Perhaps you heard when it happened. Then again, even if you sat under a rock, there is seemingly no way you could have missed the announcement. After six seasons with the hated New York Giants, Saquon Barkley saw the light and defected to our Philadelphia Eagles.

If it was just about ball and the former Penn State star's skill set, there would have been zero concerns, but you have watched enough football to know that's never the case. Saquon turned 27 years old on February 9, 1997.

Prior to his entry into the NFL, he suffered two ankle injuries (September of 2015 and November of 2016). The former forced him to miss two games as a freshman. The latter forced him out of a game versus Michigan in the third quarter, but he returned the following week.

He ended his career at Penn State having rushed for 3,843 yards on 671 carries over a 38-game span. Call us crazy, but that's a ton of work.

We aren't saying that wore him down. After all, he was drafted second overall in 2018 and went on to earn a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America's All-Rookie Team. He also claimed the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year trophy, but as you know, pro football is a violent game.

The running back position is football's most punishing. Saquon's injury concerns were just beginning, so as we revisit some of what has ailed him during an impressive NFL career, we also ask a question. Is it fair to expect him to be indestructible in Philly?

Thigh and hamstring sprain/pull - Unspecified grade 1 (August 2018)

This one wasn't as serious because it didn't cost Saquon any time as a rookie, but it didn't go unnoticed. Barkley injured himself during Giants training camp as a rookie but didn't miss any time and was ready for Week 1.

Pedal ankle sprain, Grade 2 (September 2019)

Barkley suffered a high ankle sprain in the second quarter of a Week 2 Giants game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was inactive for the next three. Two were losses, but he returned to action in Week 7.

Knee ACL tear, Grade 3 and MCL sprain, Grade 2 (September 2020)

Versus the Chicago Bears in Week 2 at Soldier Field, Saquon suffered a torn ACL and strained his MCL. His third NFL season was over after just two regular-season games.

Pedal ankle sprain/pull, unspecified Grade 1 (October 2021)

During a Week 5 regular-season game versus the Dallas Cowboys, Barkley suffered the fourth ankle injury of his young career. He stepped on Jourdan Lewis's foot and rolled his ankle. He was placed in the NFL's COVID-19 protocol on November 3rd. In total, he missed four games (Week 6 through Week 9) and returned to action following a Giants bye in Week 11.

Cervical neck stinger (December 2022)

Barkley suffers a stinger in practice as the Giants settle into December of 2022, He would, however, play through the pain in Week 14.

Pedal ankle sprain, Grade 2 (September 2023)

Saquon Barkley left a Week 2 matchup versus the Arizona Cardinals toward the end of the game. This would be the fifth ankle injury of his career. He returned in Week 6 vs. the Buffalo Bills. In total, he missed three games. All led to losses by the New York Giants.

Arm elbow sprain (October 2023)

It is reported that Saquon Barkley hyperextended his left elbow in Week 7 versus the Washington Commanders. He didn't miss any significant time. He returned in Week 8 versus the New York Jets.

The verdict

Barkley joined the Eagles still 27 years old but after a handful of injuries. One was of the season-ending variety and led to a setback, but the Birds decided to add him anyway hoping that there was still tread on the tire.

No one has ever questioned Barkley's ability on the field. If he can stay healthy, Philly has perhaps its best tailback since LeSean McCoy. His deal signed on March 13 is of the three-year variety and will pay him $37.75 million with an $11.6 million signing bonus and $26 million guaranteed. If that leads to a Super Bowl, no one will care.