The Eagles already know they will face Carolina without Jalen Hurts. Thursday's early practice observations offered little reassurance that Saquon Barkley or DeVonta Smith would return to help the offense.
ESPN's Tim McManus reported that Barkley wasn't seen during the brief portion of practice open to reporters. Smith was warming up but didn't have a helmet during that period. Adam Schefter subsequently described the situation as looking like another day without practice for both players.
Their official Thursday participation designations had not been released at the time of those observations. Barkley was listed as a nonparticipant Wednesday with a hamstring injury, while Smith was listed as a nonparticipant with hamstring and toe injuries.
Did not see Saquon Barkley during short time we were out at Eagles practice.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) October 15, 2026
Devonta Smith was warming up but did not have a helmet on when we were out there
That uncertainty compounds an already difficult week for Philadelphia, which ruled Hurts out against the Panthers because of a superficial blood clot. The quarterback change adds pressure to an offense trying to end a three-game losing streak.
Barkley's availability matters because Philadelphia's backfield is depleted. Tank Bigsby is on injured reserve, and Will Shipley is dealing with a partially torn plantar fascia. If Barkley remains unavailable, Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele could shoulder more responsibility. Smith's potential absence would also leave Philadelphia without one of its most established receiving threats while its replacement quarterback prepares for Carolina. Dallas Goedert, Dontayvion Wicks and Darius Cooper would become particularly important options in keeping the passing game functional.
These practice observations have not ruled out either Barkley or Smith. Friday's participation and the final injury report will provide a clearer picture. For now, Philadelphia must prepare for the possibility that its quarterback change will come without two of its most important offensive playmakers.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles' injury concerns grow with Barkley and Smith still sidelined
