The Philadelphia Eagles are playing the Dallas Cowboys in a critical Week 7 "Monday Night Football" matchup. The Eagles appear on track to receive a big boost to their offense ahead of that NFC East clash.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is expected to practice on Thursday, Oct. 22, and "is in line to play" in Philadelphia's Week 7 game, according to NFL Media's Mike Garafolo.
Barkley has missed each of the last two games after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. The 29-year-old has been a key component of Philadelphia's offense before his injury, racking up 182 yards on 36 carries, good for a 5.1 yards per carry average.
The Eagles have also been dealing with injuries to Tank Bigsby (core muscle) and Will Shipley
(foot). As such, they were extremely shorthanded at running back in Barkley's absence, relying on practice squad player Dameon Pierce to shoulder the workload.
Barkley's return should provide their offense a needed boost, as he will become the attack's focal point with starting quarterback Jalen Hurts likely out for the remainder of the season because of blood clots in his lungs.
Here's what to know about Barkley's injury and his potential return to the lineup.
Is Saquon Barkley playing this week?
All indications are that Barkley will be able to suit up in Week 7, barring a setback. Garafolo reported the 29-year-old is on track to return to the lineup, though Barkley's practice status will still bear watching as he attempts to return.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni expressed excitement about Barkley's return to the practice field during a news conference on Thursday, Oct. 22, but he didn't provide any additional information about whether the veteran back would be able to play Monday.
"Any time you have an opportunity to get somebody like him back on the field, that's huge," Sirianni said. "We'll see where we are as the week progresses, but looking forward to seeing him out there today. We'll see where we are at the end of it."
Eagles RB depth chart
Barkley's return would provide a massive boost to an Eagles running back room that has been decimated by injuries. Below is a look at the projected pecking order should Barkley return against the Cowboys:
- Saquon Barkley
- Dameon Pierce
- Elijah Mitchell (practice squad)
Pierce has played in two games for the Eagles this season and has racked up just 49 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Meanwhile, Mitchell was signed to the practice squad on Tuesday, Oct. 20, after Carson Steele suffered a shoulder injury in Week 6 and was subsequently released.
Naturally, Barkley would be expected to handle a massive workload in Week 7 against the Cowboys given Pierce's ineffectiveness and the recency of Mitchell's addition to the team.
The Eagles also have Bigsby and Shipley in their organization, but both are on IR dealing with their respective injuries. Bigsby will first be eligible to return in Week 9 while Shipley will be out until at least Week 11, as the team has a bye in Week 10.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Saquon Barkley playing this week? Latest injury update on Eagles RB
