Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is expected to return to practice today and is in line to play Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys, according to NFL Network and ESPN insider Mike Garafolo.
The update provides a timely boost for an Eagles offense dealing with a depleted backfield and ongoing quarterback issues.
Saquon Barkley Injury Background and Timeline
Barkley suffered a right hamstring injury on the second drive of the Eagles’ Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on October 4. He has missed the subsequent games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers and has not practiced since the injury occurred.
In his limited action this season, Barkley has rushed for 182 yards on 36 carries (5.1 yards per attempt) without a touchdown. Without him, the Eagles’ run game has struggled significantly, totaling just 57 rushing yards across their last two games while relying on depth options amid multiple injuries in the backfield.
Impact on the Eagles Offense and Backfield
Garafolo described Barkley’s return as “a lift for the team’s offense with a banged-up backfield and Jalen Hurts on the mend.” The Eagles have been thin at running back, with players such as Will Shipley and Tank Bigsby on injured reserve at points this season, leaving the unit reliant on backups like Dameon Pierce.
The Eagles enter the Week 7 matchup at 2-4 after four straight losses, scoring 20 or fewer points in each of those games. Getting Barkley back offers a proven playmaker who can stabilize the ground game and create balance, especially as the team navigates quarterback challenges.
Favorable Matchup Against the Cowboys
Monday’s game against the 2-4 Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field (8:15 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN) presents a strong opportunity for Barkley to make an impact. The Cowboys rank at or near the bottom of the NFL in run defense, allowing roughly 149.8 rushing yards per game.
This is a prime spot for Barkley’s reintegration, with the extra day of rest from the Monday night schedule potentially aiding his readiness after the hamstring issue. A successful return could help the Eagles generate more consistent offensive production against a division rival.
Outlook for Barkley and the Eagles
While Barkley’s expected return to practice today is a positive step, his workload and snap count will likely be monitored closely as he works back from the hamstring injury. The Eagles will provide further updates through the week as they prepare for the NFC East showdown.
Barkley’s presence addresses one of the team’s most pressing skill-position needs and gives Philadelphia a clearer path to establishing the run, even amid broader offensive challenges. Fantasy managers and Eagles fans will be watching Thursday’s practice participation closely for confirmation of his availability.