Any time the NFL plays international games, the foreign field conditions become a cause for concern. This time too, it’s the same case! Game 2 of Week 1 is here. The Green Bay Packers are facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 6, 2024, in Brazil. However, during the matchup in the second quarter, the Eagles’ star running back appeared in a bit of trouble.

Saquon Barkley, via doctor of physical therapy and analyst, Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT on X, “Looked injured/slowed getting up after a run (in 2nd quarter).” He “motioned for a replacement while not moving his right arm much.” This was also hinted at by RB analyst, Charles “Chux” Maranan, on the same media platform, who said, “So Saquon was hurt and that’s why he wasn’t out there in that last drive before that half?? Hopefully it’s not serious and he’s back out there in the 2nd.” So, now the question is what happened to Barkley?

Fans are getting worried for the running back, who debuted today with his new team. According to the reports, it seems that he may have suffered from a “minor stinger affecting the right side as he ran into his OL.” However, the trainers didn’t pay much attention to him, which likely hints that there is nothing much to be worried about, as Barkley returned soon in the second half.

Saquon Barkley came out blazing in his Eagles debut just after injury concerns. Initially, he lit up the gridiron with two touchdowns in the first half. But just when the excitement was at its peak, he took a hard hit on a 2-yard gain late in the second quarter, leaving everyone holding their breath. Consequently, Barkley went to the sidelines, and “watched the further few minutes of the game with his helmet on.”

To replace the RB, his “backup Kenneth Gainwell stepped in, but soon Barkley returned for the first drive of the second half.” But not only did he return, his 3-yard gain quickly silenced his injury concerns. And with him, Philadelphia’s offense, which was a bit shaky in the beginning, is now back on track. However, that doesn’t mean the injury concerns have taken a backseat. This Brazilian field is causing trouble for all the players!

Players, including Saquon Barkley, are slipping on the Brazilian field

The Packers and Eagles played their first game of this season at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo. Everyone expected that “it would be a smooth game on a “GrassMaster” field, which is a blend of real grass and turf fibers.” And the reason for that is, it’s the same surface used at both the Eagles and Packers’ home fields. Hence, it seemed like it wouldn’t be an issue. However, within just five minutes of play, the field conditions quickly became a problem for the players.

The trouble started when Saquon Barkley slipped on the turf, causing a five-yard loss in the first half. Then again, the Packers QB, Jordan Love also slipped on his final step, thereby missing a pass. And then later, receiver Christian Watson too lost his footing in the end zone, while tracking the ball.

Hence, as more and more players struggled with the turf, “NBC sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung mentioned that players were already beginning to swap out their cleats for better traction options in the first quarter. Even one of the referees spent some time on the sideline stretching out a calf injury after slipping on the turf.”

So, now it remains to be seen what the Packers and Eagles’ players have to say about the field in the post-game presser.