Saquon Barkley scores, does little else in defeat

Speaking with the media early Monday morning, Barkley said he was informed that the team would not be trading him despite falling to 2-6 on the season after Sunday night’s loss to Washington. Barkley rushed 13 times for 30 yards and a touchdown in the loss while catching one pass for another 24 yards. The soon-to-be 30-year-old back could have decent trade value for the Eagles in what is shaping up to be a lost season, but it sounds like he’s in the team’s future plans heading into 2027. Barkley is playing through injuries and has just 56 carries for 274 yards and two touchdowns this season, and has caught seven passes for another 41 yards. Assuming he can get in another week of practice this week, he’ll be a fringe RB1/RB2 in Week 9 against the Giants.

Though teams can change their minds in very short periods of time, Rapoport’s wording on this matter is rather definitive. Sitting at 2-5 with Jalen Hurts out for the year, it makes sense for the Eagles to be sellers at the trade deadline. Players including Dallas Goedert, Riq Woolen, and Hollywood Brown have also been the subject of trade rumors. All three are more likely than Barkley to land with new teams over the next week. Barring a change of heart from GM Howie Roseman, Barkley will continue to be the focal point of a failing offense for the remainder of the season.

Barkley gave a cryptic response when asked if he would play earlier in the day, ultimately ready to gut out multiple injuries as the Eagles continue to trudge forward in an injury-decimated season. The veteran back added that the injuries are both something he will need to manage throughout the game but that he feels as if he can play through them. That leaves fantasy managers in a sticky situation, likely forced to start Barkley if he’s on the roster. Barkley is a middling RB2 in a difficult matchup on the ground against the Commanders.

After being a DNP in each of the Eagles’ first two practices of the week, it’s far too early to be confident that Barkley will suit up on Sunday night against the Commanders. That said, his return to the field is still an encouraging sign for the Eagles, whose backfield is suddenly among the most banged up in the league. We will check back in when the Eagles announce Barkley’s Week 8 status, but it wouldn’t be surprising if this ends up being a game-time decision, which could prove frustrating for fantasy managers. We should know more on his availability in the next few hours.

This doesn’t look ideal. Barkley practiced all week leading up to his return, and at this point he doesn’t even have a limited session ahead of Sunday’s game with the Commanders. There’s probably not a zero percent chance that Barkley is playing, but at this point the best Barkley-reliant managers can likely hope for is a questionable tag on Friday. Elijah Mitchell and Jaydon Blue would be in line to form some sort of committee if Barkley can’t go.

Barkley was predictably a non-participant after re-aggravating his hamstring injury and additionally injuring his back in Week 7 against the Cowboys. Despite the injuries, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Barkley said his hamstring “came out great” and he doesn’t believe his back will keep him out. With every other Eagles running back suffering long-term injuries, Barkley is attempting to gut out his injury issues. Given his re-aggravation last week, it is well within the range of outcomes for Barkley to see limited snaps in Week 8 against the Commanders. His motivation to play makes us think he is on track to be active on Sunday but Barkley is a risky RB2 as he deals with injuries.

Things seemed to be going well for the veteran back in his first game since injuring his hamstring in Week 4 until the second quarter. Barkley was in and out of the lineup through that second frame before being seen on the sideline getting his hip worked on by the training staff, with what was later deemed a back issue. He continued to play through discomfort into the fourth quarter before the team declared him questionable to return with a new injury than the one that cost him two games. Barkley looked spry during his time on the field, gaining 62 yards and a touchdown on seven carries while adding nine yards on two receptions prior to departing. Fantasy managers will want to monitor his status in the coming days. Dameon Pierce would be in line to once again operate as a borderline workhorse, should Barkley’s injury prove significant, considering the lack of depth in the backfield.

Barkley returns from a two-game absence, which could not have come at a better time for a team missing its starting quarterback and top two wide receivers. The divisional tilt against the Cowboys is a game of great importance to each team as they look up at the division-leading Giants as we approach the half way point in the regular season. Although Barkley could see his touches monitored in his first game in three weeks, fantasy gamers that waited him out through the weekend are likely forced to ride with the veteran for lack of other options. Inactive for the Eagles are OLB Nolan Smith, WR DeVonta Smith, WR Dontayvion Wicks, QB Cole Payton, DB Michael Carter II, and OL Jake Majors.

Garafolo pointed out that Barkley isn’t a guarantee to play on Monday, but said “everything is looking good” for Barkley to make his return. Barkley was updated to a full participant in practice on Saturday but still carries a questionable tag into Monday night’s game against the Cowboys. While it’s always good to have a backup plan in case Barkley can’t go, we would be surprised if he doesn’t suit up, given his practice status all week and this latest report from Garafolo.

Although getting in a full practice Saturday, the Eagles head into Monday’s game against the Cowboys with Barkley listed as questionable following a two-game absence. Fantasy managers have a decision considering the Eagles play in Week 7’s final game on Monday Night Football, with no clear fall back options should he be unable to play. It would seem prudent to make alternate plans at the position.