Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is expected to return to practice Thursday and is in line to play Monday against the Cowboys, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. His return provides a lift to an offense operating without star quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is out for the season with blood clots in his lungs.
Barkley exited early in the first quarter of a Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams with a hamstring injury and has been sidelined for the past two games. With Barkley, Tank Bigsby (abdomen) and Will Shipley (foot) all injured, the Eagles were down to their fourth-string running back, Dameon Pierce, against the Carolina Panthers last week. Bigsby and Shipley remain on injured reserve, but Barkley's return should boost a ground game that ranks 29th in rushing yards per game (82.2). Barkley has appeared in four games with 36 carries for 182 yards, a 5.1-yard average per attempt.
The problems extend beyond running back personnel. The offensive line has lost three of its original five starters: Lane Johnson (retirement), Cam Jurgens (traded) and Landon Dickerson (knee). The unit has not been nearly as stout as usual in the run or pass game. On defense, the Eagles are also dealing with several injuries, including edges Nolan Smith (concussion), Jalyx Hunt (knee/ankle) and Jonathan Greenard (ankle).
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said he was hopeful Greenard could play against the Cowboys and called it "possible" that Hunt plays, depending on how practice goes this week.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing