Barkley Active for Eagles Monday
Running back Saquon Barkley is in the lineup for the rivalry game against Dallas despite missing time with hamstring issues.
By Nathan Brooks ·
The Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night at Lincoln Financial Field for the final game of Week 7. Running back Saquon Barkley is listed as active for the matchup after dealing with injury concerns throughout the week.
Barkley, who was designated as questionable with a hamstring injury, returned to practice earlier in the week. He participated as a limited player on Thursday and Friday, then moved up to full participation on Saturday. His status as active confirms he will be available to play against his former team.
The Eagles are playing without quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is expected to miss the rest of the season due to blood clots in his lungs. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith is also out with a hamstring injury. Barkley’s return provides a key offensive option for a team that has struggled recently.
Barkley has rushed for 182 yards and no touchdowns in four games this season. He played on fewer than 16% of offensive snaps in half of those appearances. He suffered a neck stinger in the Week 2 game against the Tennessee Titans and pulled his hamstring in the first quarter of the Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Statistical comparisons show a clear difference in performance with and without Barkley. He averages 5.1 yards per carry on 36 attempts, while other Eagles running backs average 2.8 yards on 71 attempts. Last week against the Carolina Panthers, backup Dameon Pierce carried the ball 12 times for 35 yards and one touchdown.
The Eagles offense has averaged fewer than 4.0 yards per play in three straight games, a streak not seen since 1999. The team is being out-gained by 108.3 total yards per game this season, which is the worst mark in the NFL. The Eagles have won four straight home games against Dallas, tying the second-longest such streak in franchise history.
They have also won seven of their last eight primetime games at home. With Hurts and Smith sidelined, Barkley’s presence on the field marks a notable shift in the offensive strategy for the upcoming contest.
Source: CBS Sports
