10
Loading video...
By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Philadelphia Eagles welcomed Saquon Barkley back into the lineup for their "Monday Night Football" clash with the Dallas Cowboys, but his return was only for three quarters until he was back on the sideline to watch his team lose, 38-21.
Barkley was dealing with a hamstring injury ahead of the game, which had forced him out of action for two games. He appeared to be hobbled in the first quarter after an early rushing play, but continued to play, including scoring his first touchdown of this season.
However, he later was out for the entire fourth quarter due to a back injury. His status remains uncertain for the team's next game, as he's listed with a hamstring/back injury on the Eagles' report. Due to the recent injury woes, which also include backup Dameon Pierce, the Eagles are seemingly running out of running backs.
Read More on NFL
Head coach Nick Sirianni was asked Friday about Barkley's status for the Eagles' game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night.
"We'll see at the end of this, and so, guys are having a good week of preparation. Feel good about that room. Obviously, we've been, you know, beat up in that room with injuries," he said, adding, "But I feel good about the guys that we have."
More news: Stephen A Smith Makes Bold Prediction for Bears After Jeffery Simmons Trade
...
Sirianni said he'd been "excited" about running back Elijah Mitchell during camp, and is happy to see his return after he got "dinged up."
"Always liked Jaydon [Blue] and the things he can do, watching him coming out of Texas. So, feel good about that room. Obviously a little beat up in that room, but looking forward to when we can get guys back. Excited about these guys that are gonna go in there and rip it," Sirianni said.
Blue was a fifth-round pick by the Cowboys in the 2025 NFL Draft who played in only five games last season. He had 38 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown with Dallas. He is in his second stint on the Eagles' active roster, but has yet to debut for Philadelphia.
Mitchell has much more NFL experience, having been drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021 and spending four seasons with the team. While there he compiled 1,523 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 27 regular-season games.
Mitchell, who also played in eight postseason games with San Francisco, didn't play for the New England Patriots last season after signing a reserves/futures contract. He was waived by the team this past April, then signed with the Eagles.
Although the Eagles released Mitchell in August, they signed him back to their practice squad two weeks ago, giving them another option at the running back position. He's played in one game this season with three carries for 11 yards.
They'll need to rely on new options due to Pierce also getting hurt against the Cowboys in the fourth quarter and being placed on injured reserve. Backups Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley were already on the Eagles' injured reserve list since earlier this month.
While Sirianni is optimistic about the other backs that they have, the Eagles are on a five-game losing skid, and have additional injuries that have struck the roster. That includes Jalen Hurts' diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in his leg and a bilateral pulmonary emboli in his lungs. In addition, key receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks have both missed games.
They will now face the Washington Commanders, who have also been struggling due to injuries and inconsistent play.
Both teams trail the Cowboys and New York Giants in the battle for the NFC East. Philadelphia and Washington kick off in their "Sunday Night Football" game at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 1.
More news: Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs Addresses Unexpected Injury Status Before Vikings Clash
For more about the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL, head over to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines