The Philadelphia Eagles received some positive news on Thursday regarding Saquon Barkley’s return to practice. The running back has been sidelined since he sustained a hamstring injury during the first quarter in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. If everything proceeds well throughout the week, Barkley is expected to participate in the game when the Eagles welcome the Dallas Cowboys on “Monday Night Football.”
“Having the chance to get someone like him back on the field is incredibly important,” remarked Eagles coach Nick Sirianni prior to practice. “We will evaluate where we stand as the week continues, but we are eager to see him out there today.”
The Eagles have faced significant injury challenges recently, with fellow running backs Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley unavailable, and Jalen Hurts being sidelined for the remainder of the season due to blood clots. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith missed two games due to a hamstring issue, but he made his return to action on Sunday.
In Barkley’s absence, Shipley and Dameon Pierce have stepped up at the running back position. Shipley sustained an injury during the Eagles’ defeat in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars and has since been placed on injured reserve due to a foot issue. A week prior, Bigsby was placed on IR after undergoing core muscle surgery.
The beleaguered backfield and weakened offensive line of the Eagles have led to an average of merely 82.2 rushing yards per game, placing them 29th in the NFL.
Both contests missed by Barkley ended in losses, and the Eagles find themselves on a four-game losing streak. With a record of 2-4, they have three NFC East games scheduled over the next three weeks against the Cowboys, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants, followed by a bye week.
As they approach Week 7, Philadelphia is currently tied for second place in the NFC East alongside the Cowboys.
