Saquon Barkley Updates Injury Status After Eagles Loss

Barkley battles through injuries in Dallas loss

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was active for Monday night's 38-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys despite entering the game as questionable with a hamstring injury. The hamstring issue had kept him out the previous two weeks.

Barkley felt good about his leg after the game, stating his hamstring came out great. However, a back issue reduced his playing time. He tweaked his back during a 29 yard run in the first quarter, and the issue grew worse as the game went on.

High efficiency on limited snaps

Barkley played just nine snaps before taking his final snap in the third quarter. He touched the ball on every single one of those nine plays. He finished with seven carries for 62 yards and a touchdown, along with two catches for nine yards. That made him the first starter in the last 20 seasons to play at least nine offensive snaps in a game and touch the ball on every play.

He was constantly managing his body during the game. After an eight yard touchdown run on Philadelphia's first drive, Barkley went straight to the exercise bike. He also spent time in the medical tent and was stretched out by trainers on the bench.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said player health was top priority and praised Barkley for his toughness. Barkley hopes the back issue will not keep him out moving forward, saying that if you can go, sometimes you have to push your body to the limit.

Running back depth tested

The Eagles are running thin at the position due to several injuries. Will Shipley has a foot injury, Tank Bigsby has an abdominal issue, and Carson Steele is dealing with a shoulder injury, with all three on injured reserve.

To make matters worse, Dameon Pierce left Monday's game in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury. That left Elijah Mitchell, who was brought up from the practice squad for the game, as the main running option.

What it means for the next game

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders (NFL, Mon, 02 Nov): Washington Commanders win 60%, Philadelphia Eagles win 40%; projected score Washington Commanders 23, Philadelphia Eagles 19. Our safest pick: Over 33.5 points.