Barkley suffered the injury during last week’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. The star running back exited the contest after experiencing discomfort in his hamstring, leaving the Eagles without their primary rushing option for the remainder of the game. His absence now creates another challenge for Philadelphia as the team prepares for an important international matchup.

The injury is particularly concerning because Barkley is a central part of the Eagles’ offensive identity. However, the latest reports suggest that the situation may not be as serious as initially feared. Although Philadelphia will have to face Jacksonville without him, the focus now shifts to how long the running back could remain sidelined and when he might be ready to return.

When is Saquon Barkley coming back?

Saquon Barkley’s recovery timeline remains uncertain after NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported that the running back is considered week to week with his hamstring injury.

That designation means he will be evaluated as his recovery progresses, rather than having a firm return date established. For now, the Eagles have not confirmed when their star running back will be available again.

The most encouraging part of the report is that Barkley’s injury is not considered a long-term issue. That provides some optimism for Philadelphia, even though he will miss the Week 5 matchup against the Jaguars. Still, a week-to-week designation does not guarantee that he will return for the Eagles’ next game, as his availability will depend on how quickly he recovers.

Who is starting running back today for Eagles vs Jaguars?

With Saquon Barkley unavailable, the Philadelphia Eagles will need other players to step up and help carry the rushing workload. Will Shipley is expected to take on a leading role in the backfield, particularly after backup running back Tank Bigsby was also placed on injured reserve following an injury against the Rams.

Key takeaways

• Saquon Barkley is ruled out against the Jaguars after injuring his hamstring against the Rams.
• The RB is considered week-to-week, with no specific return date set yet.
• Will Shipley is expected to lead Philadelphia’s backfield while Tank Bigsby is on injured reserve.

“Tank Bigsby suffered an injury on Sunday and now requires core muscle surgery to repair it, sources say. Bigsby is headed to Injured Reserve, with hopes he’s back in six weeks or shorter,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported. “The severity of Barkley’s injury will be determined by tests Monday. Doesn’t seem to be overly serious, but we will see how long he’s going to be out and when he’s able to return.”

With Barkley surrounded by question marks over his health and Bigsby confirmed to be out for some time, the Eagles have just one active running back on their current depth chart. The last man standing is Will Shipley, who could be in line for an increased role in Nick Sirianni and Sean Mannion’s offense.

• Saquon Barkley (hamstring)
• Tank Bigsby (Injured Reserve)
• Will Shipley

Eagles in RB trouble

Of course, as long as Barkley is good to go, he will take up most of the snaps and carries, but that is no certainty, as the former AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year (OPOTY) has now been forced to exit two of the first four games of the season.

Even if Barkley has managed to dodge a serious, long-term injury to his right hamstring, the wiser choice might be to sit and rest him before risking further injury. However, that is much easier said than done for a team in Philadelphia’s position.

Eagles’ upcoming schedule

The Eagles are staring at a tough five-game stretch before their bye in Week 10, and at 2-2 and second in the NFC East, being without Barkley for even one of these games could come back to bite them. It’s also unclear if Barkley would be okay with being sidelined when he feels healthy enough to play. Regardless, that may not be his call to make.

• Week 5: vs Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL International Game in London)
• Week 6: vs Carolina Panthers
• Week 7: vs Dallas Cowboys (MNF)
• Week 8: at Washington Commanders (SNF)
• Week 9: vs New York Giants

Roster moves soon to come

In the meantime, practice-squad call ups are to be expected. As things stand, the Eagles have three tailbacks in the P-squad: Dameon Pierce, Carson Steele, and Jaydon Blue.

As for Bigsby, he is now set to miss Week 5, when Philly will play his former team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, who traded him to the Eagles last season. Whether Barkley is also out for next Sunday’s game in London remains to be seen, but it’s safe to assume Howie Roseman is already looking into the market to bolster the injury-riddled backfield and take some pressure off Jalen Hurts’ back.

Key takeaways

• Saquon Barkley left Week 4 early with a non-contact hamstring injury.
• Tank Bigsby requires core muscle surgery and is headed to Injured Reserve.
• Backup running back Will Shipley is the lone healthy RB on the active roster.

“Saquon Barkley (hamstring) has been downgraded to out, Eagles say,” as reported by Andrew DiCecco of Inside The Birds. Barkley was initially considered questionable, but his return has now been ruled out in Week 4.

The fact that Barkley appeared to suffer a non-contact injury and was unable to return for the rest of the drive only raises fears for the Eagles, who also missed Barkley for the majority of Week 2. Behind Barkley, Philadelphia’s running back room includes Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley. The Eagles will count on them to lead them to victory against the Rams.

Needless to say, it’s a nightmare start for Philadelphia at home against Los Angeles. Taking on the Rams, the Eagles were already without both DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert. With Barkley ruled out, Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni are in for an even steeper climb.

Another injury for Barkley

The hamstring injury suffered in Week 4 isn’t the first time this season the Eagles have run into trouble with Saquon. Back in Week 2 of the NFL campaign, the star running back suffered an arm stinger that forced him out of the game early on. So far, Barkley hasn’t been able to get off to the start he hoped for in 2026.

Barkley has 34 carries for 174 rushing yards. He has also caught three passes for only six yards. As shocking as it sounds, Barkley has yet to score a touchdown four weeks into the season.

Key takeaways

• Out in Week 4 after suffering a non-contact hamstring injury on Philadelphia’s first offensive play.
• Eagles are already playing without receivers DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert against Rams.
• Saquon Barkley has accumulated 34 carries for 174 rushing yards without scoring a touchdown.

The Eagles rely heavily on their running game as it helps the team unleash the rest of the offense and make life easier for quarterback Jalen Hurts. Fortunately for the Eagles, they have quite a good running back room:

• Saquon Barkley
• Will Shipley
• Tank Bigsby

What is an arm stinger?

An arm stinger —also called a burner or brachial plexus neuropraxia— is a temporary nerve injury that causes a sharp, electric-shock-like pain shooting from the neck down the arm. During the play where the stinger happened, Barkley’s brachial plexus must’ve gotten stretched or pinched.

It is very common in high-impact sports like football, rugby, wrestling, and ice hockey when the head is forced to one side while the shoulder is pushed down. To return, Barkley must recover completely in terms of pain, numbness, and weakness.

Barkley is in a bounce back year

Usually an elite running back, Saquon Barkley had some sort of a down year in 2025 after blowing the league away in 2024. Barkley went from 2005 rushing yards in 2024 to 1140 in 2025. Basically half. It also happened on the touchdowns where he went from 13 rushing TDs to just seven.

In Week 1 of this season, Barkley had 15 carries for 83 yards against the Commanders. While the raw numbers are great, he should be getting way more touches than that.

Just a few years ago, the entire NFL was mesmerized by Todd Gurley’s elite talent. Unfortunately, severe injuries derailed his career, forcing him to promptly retire in 2022 after just six seasons in the league.

Despite stepping away from the game, Gurley has remained connected to the football world. Recently, Barkley reached out to the former All-Pro—not to gauge a potential return to the field, but to gather insight on mastering the system of the Eagles’ new offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion.

“There’s a lot of guys that do it in the system right now, but one guy that I’ve been focused on and talked to him a little over Instagram, Todd Gurley, watching his film,” Barkley said, trying to seek advice from Gurley as he was coached by Mannion from 2015 to 2018. “Obviously it’s a little bit different, but the big years that he had when he was playing and he was healthy, the way that he attacked it.”

Todd Gurley was on a Hall of Fame trajectory

Gurley entered the NFL in 2015 when the Rams were still based in St. Louis. He made an immediate impact on the league, rushing for 1,106 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns en route to earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

He spent five spectacular seasons with the Rams before leaving the franchise in 2020 to join the Atlanta Falcons. While his sudden departure from Los Angeles shocked many fans, it was heavily influenced by his lingering knee issues.

Although Gurley rarely missed time in Los Angeles, the Rams’ front office believed it was only a matter of time before his knee forced an early retirement. Time ultimately proved them right; Gurley played just one season in Atlanta, spent 2021 out of the league, and officially retired in 2022.

For many analysts and fans, Gurley was destined for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, he never fully recovered from the arthritic fallout of a torn ACL he suffered in college back in 2014, causing one of the generation’s most promising running back careers to fade away prematurely.

The Eagles look to bounce back in 2026

Following a triumphant 2024 season capped by a Super Bowl victory, the Eagles endured a disappointing 2025 campaign. Barkley took home NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors for his historic 2,005-yard rushing season during that championship run, but the team’s offensive efficiency plummeted the following year.

Following Kellen Moore’s departure, the Eagles’ offense lacked the creativity and explosive execution required to dominate the league as expected. Now, with Sean Mannion introducing a Sean McVay-style outside-zone scheme, Barkley is confident Philadelphia can return to championship form in 2026.

In March, the Jets informed Breece Hall that they planned to use the $14.293 million franchise tag on him for 2026. Two months later, the club reconsidered and offered him a long-term extension instead.

On Friday, the Jets signed Hall to a three-year, $45.75 million extension. This deal will pay him an average annual salary of $15.25 million, placing him behind only Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey on the list of the league’s highest-paid running backs.

How Breece Hall’s extension resets the RB market

A few weeks ago, Breece Hall spoke out about the Jets placing the franchise tag on him. Today, his words seem to have had an impact, as the club decided to give him the extension he was desperately seeking.

Hall is an outstanding running back, yet many believe this extension exceeds what he was expected to earn. He is now a top-three highest-paid running back, which sets high expectations for his performance with the Jets.

This extension is set to have a ripple effect across the league. Jonathan Taylor of the Colts is entering the final year of the three-year extension he signed in 2023; with Hall’s new deal, he has a new standard to aim for in his next contract.

The Jets have a solid offense for 2026

By securing Breece Hall for 2026 and beyond, the Jets’ outlook looks promising. They have Geno Smith as QB1, and the pieces surrounding the veteran indicate that New York could be a dark horse this season.

• QB: Geno Smith
• RB: Breece Hall
• WR1: Garrett Wilson
• WR2: Omar Cooper Jr.
• WR3: AD Mitchell
• TE1: Kenyon Sadiq
• TE2: Mason Taylor

If there is one thing the Eagles may regret, it is letting Kellen Moore leave the organization. While accepting the head coaching job with the New Orleans Saints was the right move for his career, Moore’s departure left a significant void in Philadelphia.

Following his exit, the Eagles promoted Kevin Patullo to offensive coordinator for the 2025 season. However, the unit’s struggles ultimately led to his dismissal, and the team has since turned to Sean Mannion as its new offensive coordinator.

Saquon Barkley praises Sean Mannion and is eager to test new system

Saquon Barkley delivered an outstanding 2024 season but followed it with a disappointing 2025 campaign. The difference was evident: he thrived under Kellen Moore’s system and struggled to find the same rhythm under Patullo.

After multiple offensive players failed to meet expectations in 2025, the Eagles decided to make a change. The hiring of Sean Mannion has generated optimism across the locker room, including from Barkley, who believes the new system can unlock the unit’s full potential in 2026.

“I’m super excited about it,” Barkley told NFL Network about Sean Mannion’s system. “I’m going on Year 9, which is crazy to say, and I’ve had a lot of different coaches and head coaches and been a part of a lot of systems. I don’t think I really came across a system like this. For me, it’s refreshing. You get something new. You get to learn something new.”

Not everything depends on the offensive coordinator

It is well known that the Eagles boast one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. However, offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland departed this offseason, and his absence could significantly impact the group’s performance.

Still, Philadelphia will welcome back a key teammate of Jalen Hurts for the 2026 season, providing stability on offense. With Mannion implementing a new system, Barkley and the Eagles appear ready for a fresh start as they aim to return to championship contention.

Barkley appeared on NFL Network’s “The Insiders” and explained how he approached this offseason differently compared to earlier stages of his career. Now a veteran with championship experience, he emphasized longevity and efficiency over sheer power training, adjusting his routine to preserve his body for the demands of another title push.

“When I was younger, I used to get right after it… It’s still that mindset, just in a different way. I’m attacking the angles that I’m trying to get into. How can I get into my knees and my ankles better, my hips better, how can I continue to stay healthy? How can I just be a better athlete?

“It’s not really the mindset of putting 500 pounds on your back right now,” Barkley continued. “I’m working on trampolines. I’m working on (a) hula hoop of getting my body coordination back together. I’m super excited, and it’s new, and it’s different. But you want to play as long as you can, and I want to be super successful for a long time, so you got to change it up. And I feel like it’s been helpful. And I got a routine now that I love.”

Barkley’s numbers last season

After rushing for 2,005 yards in 2024, Barkley followed with 1,140 yards last season. While the statistical dip was notable, the broader objective remained team success. The Eagles finished 11-6, captured the NFC East title, and later fell to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC wild card round. Philadelphia relied on Barkley’s presence in high-leverage situations, particularly alongside quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and tight end Dallas Goedert in the starting lineup.

There is no denying how critical Barkley is to the Eagles’ offensive structure as they prepare for another run. Maintaining strong chemistry inside the locker room will be essential, especially after moments of visible frustration surfaced late last NFL season. Still, team leaders publicly emphasized unity as the foundation for improvement.

Barkley on A.J. Brown’s Patriots support

Amid speculation linking A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots, Barkley addressed the topic in a conversation with ESPN’s Dan Graziano. He made clear he was not speaking on behalf of his teammate, but he acknowledged Brown’s long-standing admiration for the Patriots organization.

“I will say this, I do not want to speak for AJ Brown,” Barkley said. “I love him as a teammate and a brother, but he is a huge Patriots fan. He’s one of those guys. Growing up, I was a Jets fan. My dad has a Jets tattoo. I was able to kind of move on now when I got to the NFL. He’s always been a big Patriots fan. I think this year, before Dallas, Tom Brady, he was throwing him the ball. So, for him, he was like a kid in the candy store. But that wink is just all fun and games, but I will tell. I will give the inside scoop. AJ Brown is a big Patriots fan.”

Heading into the final game of the regular season, there was a concrete possibility that Sirianni would choose to rest his starters and face the Commanders with an alternative lineup. Ultimately, the coach confirmed this decision, prioritizing the health of his players over securing the No. 2 seed.

“At the end of the day, it’s not a guarantee that we can get the two seed, but I can guarantee that I can rest the starters,” he said during the Eagles’ press conference. “I just felt that was the best thing for our football team”.

“I feel really good about the guys that are going to go in there and play — obviously you can’t rest everybody — we had a good week of practice and we’re going in there to try to win the game with some guys who haven’t played a ton of snaps on offense and defense but who have contributed. I just felt that was the best thing for the football team this week and moving forward,” Sirianni concluded.

Sirianni made this decision because the risk of a loss is minimal, as the Eagles would not move from the No. 3 seed even if they fall to the Commanders. However, a Philadelphia victory combined with a Chicago Bears loss to the Detroit Lions would give the Eagles the No. 2 seed, securing an extra home game in the playoffs.

Tanner McKee ready to take the field

This will be a significant opportunity for reserve players like quarterback Tanner McKee, who will replace Hurts and typically does not see much playing time during the regular season.

This will mark McKee’s second start of the season. In his limited action so far, he has been efficient, completing 65.9% of his passes with four touchdowns and no interceptions.

“Obviously, there’s excitement when you haven’t gotten meaningful snaps in a while, so I am excited,” McKee said during a press conference. “Coach was saying it before when we were talking about ball security, he’s like, ‘Oh, some of us haven’t gotten hit in a while,’ and he turned right towards me. I’m like, ‘Dude, it’s actually been a while since I’ve gotten hit.’ So, yeah, I’m excited to go out and play the game. It’s fun getting in a rhythm and playing football again. This feels familiar, and it’s great. I’m excited”.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said on Monday that he had not yet decided whether to play his starters against Washington. However, it appears that a few days later, that decision has already been made.

According to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Eagles have decided to sit most of their starters in Week 18, including Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. With the NFC East title already clinched, there is little at stake for Philadelphia in the regular-season finale against the Commanders.

What would happen if the Eagles lose to the Commanders in Week 18?

As mentioned earlier, the risk is minimal for the Eagles in Week 18. They have already secured the NFC East title, guaranteeing at least one playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field.

Philadelphia currently sits as the No. 3 seed in the NFC with an 11–5 record, trailing the Chicago Bears. A loss by the NFC North team to the Detroit Lions, combined with an Eagles win over Washington, could move Nick Sirianni’s squad up to the No. 2 seed.

However, a loss to Washington would not drastically change Philadelphia’s position. The Eagles would not fall below the No. 3 seed even with a defeat, which is why Sirianni is expected to rest his starters and prioritize entering the Wild Card round well rested.

Saquon Barkley may prefer not to be benched

While Nick Sirianni has the final say, Saquon Barkley may attempt to convince his head coach to let him play in Week 18. The reason is simple: the star running back is chasing a significant performance bonus.

Barkley needs 87 scrimmage yards against the Commanders to earn an additional $250,000 on his 2026 contract. He has surpassed that mark eight times this season, including a 132-yard performance from scrimmage against Washington earlier this year—his second-best outing of the season.

Few achievements in the NFL carry the weight of a historic rushing season. When a running back takes control of the ground game, every carry becomes a statement, reshaping defenses and redefining what dominance looks like.

Certain seasons have stood apart from the rest. They weren’t built on highlight runs alone, but on week-to-week consistency, durability and an offense willing to lean on one player when games tightened and weather turned hostile.

These rare campaigns live at the intersection of talent, timing and opportunity. As the league evolves and rushing roles change, the question of which run truly stands above the rest continues to fuel debates rooted in numbers and legacy.

Eric Dickerson | Rush Yds: 2,105 – Season: 1984

In 1984, just his second year in the league, Eric Dickerson turned what was already a physical grind into an enduring masterpiece. Wearing the Rams’ uniform, he churned out 2,105 rushing yards, a mark that still sits atop the NFL’s single-season leaderboard decades later.

Unlike many record seasons defined by bursts of speed or long runs, his campaign was a display of consistent excellence — week after week he punished defenses with a blend of patience and power that allowed him to wear down opponents and amass a staggering total that, as of 2025, has yet to be eclipsed.

Adrian Peterson | Rush Yds: 2,097 – Season: 2012

Adrian Peterson’s 2012 season with the Vikings was the closest any back has come to toppling Dickerson’s mark, finishing with 2,097 rushing yards in an era increasingly dominated by the pass.

What made his accomplishment compelling wasn’t just the volume — it was the context: He had returned from a serious knee injury suffered the previous year, and still produced one of the most physically dominant seasons in modern football, pacing his carries with brutal effectiveness and leading Minnesota into the postseason.

Jamal Lewis | Rush Yds: 2,066 – Season: 2003

Few single-season performances carry the same mix of resilience and raw force as Jamal Lewis’ 2003 campaign. Coming off a devastating ACL tear just two years prior, he bulldozed his way to 2,066 rushing yards for the Ravens, an output that came within striking distance of the all-time record.

That season wasn’t just about volume — early on, he posted a 295-yard rushing game, briefly setting a single-game NFL mark. His potent combination of size and speed turned the Ravens’ ground game into an unstoppable force, and his work that year earned him league honors and a place among the rare 2,000-yard club.

Barry Sanders | Rush Yds: 2,053 – Season: 1997

Barry Sanders’ 1997 season with the Detroit Lions was a breathtaking paradox: surreal athleticism wrapped in unrelenting consistency. Amassing 2,053 yards on the ground, he averaged over six yards per attempt and put together a string of big games that kept defenses guessing.

His style married balance and creativity — defenders never seemed to know which way he would cut — and his ability to convert small openings into massive gains became iconic. Even in a career filled with jaw-dropping highlights, the ’97 campaign stands as a testament to his unique blend of grace and production.

Derrick Henry | Rush Yds: 2,027 – Season: 2020

Derrick Henry’s 2020 season was a throwback to the era of the true workhorse back, a punishing display of brute strength and sheer consistency. At a time when many teams favor running back committees, he dominated the Titans’ offense, bulldozing defenders en route to 2,027 rushing yards.

His 2020 performance wasn’t just a statistical achievement — it was a physical statement. Week after week, he proved capable of wearing down opponents late in games, showcasing a blend of power and durability that helped cement his legacy as one of the premier backs of his generation.

Terrell Davis | Rush Yds: 2,008 – Season: 1998

Terrell Davis’ 1998 season wasn’t just prolific — it was efficient, relentless, and perfectly timed. As the engine of a Broncos team chasing another Super Bowl, he piled up 2,008 rushing yards while balancing volume with postseason ambitions.

His regular-season dominance flowed seamlessly into January, where he added a historic playoff run that cemented the year as one of the most complete rushing campaigns the league has seen. He didn’t chase records; the records followed him as Denver leaned on his vision and burst in every meaningful moment.

Chris Johnson | Rush Yds: 2,006 – Season: 2009

Speed defined Chris Johnson’s 2009 season, but it was his endurance that pushed him into history. Nicknamed “CJ2K”, the Titans back broke the 2,000-yard barrier with 2,006 yards, turning routine handoffs into track-meet finishes.

His ability to flip field position in seconds changed defensive game plans weekly, forcing opponents to defend every blade of grass. His season remains one of the clearest examples of how explosive playmaking can coexist with sustained production across a full NFL schedule.

Saquon Barkley | Rush Yds: 2,005 – Season: 2024

What Saquon Barkley orchestrated in 2024 was more than just a statistical anomaly; it was a high-stakes redemption arc played out on the national stage. After years of carrying a heavy burden in New York, his move to the Philadelphia Eagles unlocked a terrifying final form. Behind one of the league’s most dominant offensive lines, he transformed from a focal point into a force of nature.

His season will forever be remembered for the “reverse hurdle”—a gravity-defying, no-look leap over a defender that redefined what is physically possible on a football field. However, the true substance of his year lay in his punishing consistency. He became the eighth man in NFL history to eclipse the 2,000-yard mark, securing his place in the pantheon during a clinical late-season stretch.

O.J. Simpson | Rush Yds: 2,003 – Season: 1973

Long before 17-game seasons and modern offensive schemes, O.J. Simpson delivered a rushing season that felt almost untouchable for its time. In 1973, he rushed for 2,003 yards in just 14 games, an achievement that redefined what was considered possible in the ground game.

His dominance came in an era stacked boxes and fewer offensive advantages, making the per-game output as striking as the final total. Decades later, that season still carries an aura of historical gravity.

Earl Campbell | Rush Yds: 1,934 – Season: 1980

Earl Campbell’s 1980 campaign with the Oilers didn’t need a 2,000-yard total to feel overwhelming. With 1,934 rushing yards, he turned every carry into a collision, imposing a physical toll that reshaped games and seasons alike.

His style was less about evasion and more about inevitability — defenders knew what was coming and still struggled to stop it. That year stands as a reminder that dominance isn’t always measured by round numbers, but by the impact left behind.