Eagles activate Saquon Barkley for Monday night showdown with Cowboys
The running back joins an offense that has posted its worst statistical marks since 1999, missing key starters Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith.
By Nadia Singh ·
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley will play against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night at Lincoln Financial Field. The team listed Barkley as active for the contest, ending a brief absence from the lineup. He returns to the field after being designated questionable earlier in the week due to a hamstring issue.
Barkley returned to practice this week with limited participation on Thursday and Friday. He moved to full participation on Saturday, signaling his readiness for the contest. The move comes as the Eagles prepare to face their division rivals without two of their primary offensive weapons.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the season after blood clots were found in his lungs. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith has already been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Barkley’s return provides a much-needed boost to a unit that has struggled to find consistency this year.
Barkley has rushed for 182 yards and no touchdowns in four games this season. He has played on fewer than 16 percent of offensive snaps in half of his appearances. His early season was derailed by a stinger in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans and a hamstring pull in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams.
The statistical gap between Barkley and his backups is clear. Barkley averages 5.1 yards per carry on 36 attempts, while other Eagles running backs average 2.8 yards per rush on 71 attempts. Last week, the Eagles ran the ball only 12 times through Dameon Pierce against the Carolina Panthers, gaining 35 yards and a touchdown.
The Eagles offense has averaged fewer than 4.0 yards per play over three straight games for the first time since 1999. The team has been outgained by 108.3 total yards per game this season, the worst mark in the NFL. The Cowboys will test a unit that has won four straight home games against Dallas, a streak tied for the second-longest in franchise history.
Philadelphia has won seven of its last eight primetime games at home. The Eagles look to turn things around on Monday night as they attempt to regain offensive rhythm against a familiar opponent.
