The Philadelphia Eagles received encouraging news Friday as running back Saquon Barkley returned to practice ahead of Sunday's NFC East matchup against the Washington Commanders, though the team's wide receiver injury concerns remain unresolved.
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane, Barkley was on the field Friday after missing the previous two sessions with hamstring and back injuries. Wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks were not spotted during the portion of practice open to reporters. Barkley's return represents an important development for an Eagles offense dealing with significant injuries at multiple skill positions. The veteran running back suffered a back injury during Monday night's 38-21 loss to Dallas
and left the game after returning from a hamstring injury that previously sidelined him for two contests.
Philadelphia listed Barkley as a nonparticipant on Wednesday's estimated injury report and Thursday's full practice report, raising questions about his availability against Washington. His return Friday is encouraging, though the team has not confirmed whether he will play Sunday.
The Eagles have already lost Dameon Pierce to injured reserve, leaving their running back depth particularly thin. Jaydon Blue is the only other healthy running back on the active roster, while Elijah Mitchell remains on the practice squad after being elevated for Monday's game against Dallas. Philadelphia Eagles+1
Still no WRs DeVonta Smith or Dontayvion Wicks. #Eagles https://t.co/YEUusYhlVn
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) October 30, 2026
If Barkley cannot play, Philadelphia may have to rely on Blue and a potential Mitchell elevation against Washington. The Eagles have already used six different running backs through seven games, illustrating how injuries have disrupted the offense.
Meanwhile, Smith and Wicks continue to recover from injuries that kept them out against Dallas. Smith is dealing with a hamstring issue, while Wicks has an ankle injury. Both were listed as nonparticipants Wednesday and Thursday before missing Friday's open practice period.
Their potential absence would again place additional responsibility on rookie Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown and Philadelphia's remaining receiving options.
The Eagles enter Week 8 at 2-5, after losing five straight games. Tanner McKee will make his third consecutive start as Philadelphia attempts to regain offensive consistency against a Washington defense that has struggled to prevent touchdowns. Friday's final injury report will clarify Barkley's participation level and whether Smith and Wicks receive game-status designations.
For now, Barkley's return is encouraging, but Philadelphia could still enter Sunday night's matchup without two of its established wide receivers.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Saquon Barkley returns to practice, Smith and Wicks remain out
