The Philadelphia Eagles might have you feeling down in the dumps after three straight losses … but, hey, here’s some good news, maybe?!
Sounds like DeVonta Smith and/or Saquon Barkley could return to the field for Sunday’s Week 6 game against the Carolina Panthers:
Smith has missed the Eagles’ last two games
due to a hamstring injury. Last week, he was seen doing stretches near the rest of the team during warmups before being unable to participate in practice. I would guess he’s further along than Barkley, who wasn’t spotted at practices last week.
Getting either player back — let alone both — would be a positive development for what’s arguably the worst offense in the NFL right now.
Barkley’s return would be especially ideal since the Eagles will be without RB2 Tank Bigsby (who’s on injured reserve) and RB3 Will Shipley (who suffered a foot injury on Sunday). If Barkley can’t suit up, the Eagles’ three running backs will be: Dameon Pierce, Carson Steele, and Jaydon Blue.
At the same time, you don’t want to see the Eagles rushing these players back before they’re truly ready to play or else they risk re-aggravating those hammy injuries.
Also, it’s not exactly like the Eagles were crushing it on offense prior to Barkley and Smith getting hurt. Their returns alone will not fix the issues that are plaguing this team. But it certainly works towards pointing the team back in the right direction.
The Eagles will hold their first practice in the lead-up to the Panthers game on Wednesday. The injury reports that will be issued then, Thursday, and Friday will be worth monitoring.
