The Philadelphia Eagles received a major boost Saturday as two of their top offensive playmakers officially came off the injury report ahead of Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears.
Running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver DeVonta Smith are good to go for the Week 3 matchup at Soldier Field. Wide receiver Hollywood Brown has been ruled out.
The undefeated Eagles (2-0) visit the Bears (1-1) on Monday, September 28 at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC.
Saquon Barkley Cleared After Stinger
Barkley suffered a stinger on his first carry last Sunday in the Eagles’ 24-20 win over the Tennessee Titans. He missed most of the first half, returned after halftime, then exited again late in the game. He finished with limited production after the injury.
The veteran running back practiced in a limited capacity Thursday before ramping up to full participation Friday. He underwent an MRI to rule out more serious damage and said he expected to play. Saturday’s official designation confirmed he is off the report entirely.
Barkley has 92 rushing yards through two games. His availability keeps Philadelphia’s ground-game identity intact against a Bears team that has emphasized the run.
DeVonta Smith Returns After Hamstring Issue
Smith sat out Thursday’s practice with a hamstring injury but returned in a limited role Friday. He posted 10 catches for 117 yards and a touchdown in the Titans win and leads the Eagles with 170 receiving yards this season.
The 2021 first-round pick dealt with a similar hamstring issue during training camp. His full clearance Saturday is a significant development for quarterback Jalen Hurts and the passing attack.
Hollywood Brown and Dallas Goedert Remain Out
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is out with an ankle injury after limited snaps last week. Tight end Dallas Goedert remains sidelined with a sprained MCL and is expected to miss multiple weeks.
The Eagles will lean more on other receiving options and tight ends such as Johnny Mundt in Goedert’s absence.
What This Means for Monday Night
Philadelphia’s offense looks far more complete with Barkley and Smith available. The Eagles have scored 24 points in each of their first two games and sit atop the NFC East. Chicago is dealing with its own quarterback uncertainty as Caleb Williams (hamstring) and Tyson Bagent (concussion protocol) have been limited. Veteran Case Keenum could start for the Bears.
The Bears rushed for 281 yards in their November 2025 win over Philadelphia. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has emphasized stopping the run this week.
Fantasy managers and bettors should note Barkley’s expected workload and Smith’s target share now that both are confirmed active. The Eagles opened as 4.5-point favorites.
The official Eagles Saturday injury report listed Barkley (stinger) and Smith (hamstring) as full participants with no game-status designation, while Brown was listed as out. Other players such as Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley, and Jonathan Greenard remain on the report but are expected to be available.
Monday night’s game at Soldier Field will test whether Philadelphia can stay perfect while managing a thinned receiving corps and a still-developing offensive line. With Barkley and Smith healthy, the Eagles enter the primetime matchup in a strong position.