Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network and Adam Schefter of ESPN, Barkley is trending in the right direction to play vs Cowboys. Philadelphia is aiming to keep pace in the division race. Hence, having its primary runner healthy provides an immediate offensive boost.

The Eagles plan to feature Barkley as their lead back from the opening drive. Barring an unforeseen pregame setback, fans can expect Barkley to suit up and handle his customary starting workload against Dallas.

Saquon Barkley’s season has been underwhelming

Despite entering the year with towering expectations, Barkley’s 2026 campaign has gotten off to a remarkably sluggish start. Across four appearances heading into Week 7, he has managed just 182 rushing yards on 36 carries. Even worse, he has failed to find the end zone a single time on the ground.

An average of 5.1 yards per carry looks efficient on paper. However, inconsistent volume and nagging injuries have severely limited his rhythm and weekly impact. Barkley has also contributed little in the passing attack, registering just four receptions for eight total yards.

The Cowboys run defense should allow yards

Barkley needs a breakout performance to jumpstart his season, and Dallas is the ideal opponent to do so. Through six games, the Cowboys rank dead last in the NFL against the run, allowing a league-worst 149.8 rushing yards per contest and 899 total yards on the ground.

Opposing ground attacks have repeatedly damaged Dallas’ interior front, gashing them for 4.7 yards per attempt while dominating time of possession. With the Cowboys surrendering eight rushing touchdowns and ranking among the league’s worst in rush defense EPA, Barkley has a prime opportunity to thrive.

Key takeaways

• Saquon Barkley is trending in the right direction to play against the Cowboys.
• Saquon Barkley has totaled 182 rushing yards on 36 carries through four games.
• The Dallas Cowboys rank dead last in NFL run defense, allowing 149.8 yards per game.

Without a clear-cut No. 1 running back, at least in Harbaugh’s eyes, it’s time for the coach and players to work together and figure out a solution to the Giants’ struggles on the ground. Clearly, handing the ball off to four different running backs and hoping one of them builds momentum and rides the hot hand wasn’t working for New York.

For the time being, the G-Men may still have no better option than to keep banging their heads against the wall. Better the devil you know, they say.

“I would love for us to be in that kind of a circumstance. A Derrick Henry circumstance or a Saquon Barkley circumstance or whatever it might be,” Harbaugh said, according to transcript from the Giants. “That would be great, and we haven’t. Our run game hasn’t earned that yet, and none of those guys have.”

Rushing offense struggles without Skattebo

Thus, for the time being, the Giants will keep pounding the rock with their collection of running backs. Harris is now out of the picture, though, leaving only: Cam Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Devin Singletary. Of the bunch, Skattebo is clearly the main ball-carrier.

“My advice would be to any player, do the most you can with the opportunities you get. Make the most of those opportunities and you’re sure to get more opportunities. Do something,” Harbaugh stated.

Clearly, the trio of Harris, Tracy Jr, and Singletary didn’t do enough with their opportunities (on the ground game) while Skattebo was kept on the sidelines in Week 6.

Skattebo could be back in RB1 role

Even though he accepted the punishment handed out by Harbaugh and the Giants, it’s plain to see that he’ll take the stick once, but he’ll want the carrot in Week 7, especially after watching the team’s rushing deficiencies from the sidelines and seeing how much he was missed by both fans and teammates.

Even Harbaugh may have realized that Skattebo’s benching came back to bite the team, but by then, it was already too late. The harm was done, and Harbaugh chose to stay committed to the bit.

NY Giants vie to get back in win column

As costly as Skattebo’s inactive role was, the Giants were still a controversial pass-interference no call away from tying the game. They also might have tied it—or potentially defeated the New Orleans Saints in Week 6—if JJ McCarthy had seen Malik Nabers wide open in the end zone. Unfortunately for New York, the subbed-on quarterback was too busy running for his life in the pocket.

The lesson appears to have been learned, but only time will tell. We’ll find out when the Giants take on the Houston Texans on the road. How much Skattebo and the rest of the running backs play will be very telling of how Harbaugh truly feels about the room in East Rutherford.

Key takeaways

• John Harbaugh stated the New York Giants’ running attack has not earned a featured RB role.
• Head coach John Harbaugh advised players to do the most with their opportunities to get more carries.
• The New York Giants will play their upcoming game against the Houston Texans on the road.

Discussing what it has been like to play without many of Philly’s top playmakers with reporters on Tuesday, Sean Mannion singled Barkley out in particular as a player he has been missing, as his “unique talent” makes him hard to replace.

“I think it all goes back to putting all of your players in what you feel is the best position for them to be successful. Saquon is a unique talent. That’s indisputable, right? So, there are things that he can do that there’s a very, very, very short list of people on the planet that can do. The beauty of it is I do feel really confident in our depth. [RB] Tank [Bigsby] going out due to injury, but he’s a really, really quality backup running back in this league,” Mannion said.

Confidence remains in roster depth

Despite an uneven 2-3 start to the campaign and missing a vital contributor in Barkley, the Eagles are expected to rebound in the coming weeks while awaiting the return of their star playmaker. In the meantime, the coaching staff continues to emphasize the deep faith it has in the group.

“So, there may be some things that change when Saquon goes out and Tank goes in, but the nice thing is with the depth that we have at that position, just as an example, it’s not as many as you might expect because of the depth of our roster, the confidence we have in those guys. So, there’s tweaks here and there that come up with different injuries, whether it be at the running back position, receiver position, O-line, but in large, the confidence that we have in our group makes it where that’s easier to manage than you may think,” Mannion said.

As things currently stand, Philly only has two healthy running backs on their active roster—Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele—alongside practice squad options including Jaydon Blue and recent signing Ja’Quinden Jackson.

However, if Barkley manages to return for NFL Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers, the Eagles could finally get their offense back on track, as Mannion’s evaluation of his impact is right on target.

Key takeaways

• Sean Mannion linked Philadelphia’s offensive struggles directly to Saquon Barkley’s absence.
• Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele are Philadelphia’s only healthy active running backs.
• Week 6 against Carolina could mark Saquon Barkley’s return to the Philadelphia Eagles.

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.”