Saquon Barkley is expected to return to Philadelphia Eagles practice Thursday and is in line to play against Dallas on Monday, offering hope to a depleted offense.
The running back has missed two games with a hamstring injury, leaving Philadelphia short of backfield options as it prepares for an important divisional matchup at home.
NFL.com’s Thursday roundup, citing NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, reported the expected practice return. That remains a positive outlook rather than confirmation of Barkley’s final game status for Monday.
His potential availability matters beyond one position. Philadelphia is trying to recover from four consecutive defeats while adjusting to the absence of starting quarterback Jalen Hurts from its lineup.
Why Barkley’s return would matter
The urgency is visible in the numbers. Reuters reported that Philadelphia ranks 30th in total offense and 29th in rushing entering this week’s preparations for the Dallas game.
Barkley had 182 rushing yards on 36 carries before the injury, an average of about 5.1 yards per attempt, although he had not scored a touchdown this season.
Those figures suggest why his return could help without guaranteeing a turnaround. An individual runner’s production still depends on blocking, down-and-distance situations and the offense’s ability to sustain possessions.
A backfield reshaped by injuries
The backfield has changed around him. In Tuesday’s official roster announcement, the Eagles confirmed Elijah Mitchell’s practice-squad signing and waived Jaydon Blue and Carson Steele from the active roster.
Steele was waived with an injury designation after hurting his shoulder against Carolina. He returned during that game but remained limited, according to Philadelphia’s account of the roster moves.
That reshuffling followed injuries elsewhere in the running back group, making Barkley’s progress especially significant. It also leaves the coaching staff balancing availability with the need for reliable depth.
The Cowboys’ official matchup preview listed Barkley and Dameon Pierce as Philadelphia’s running backs, noting Pierce had 35 rushing yards and a touchdown against Carolina in Week 6.
The same preview identified Tanner McKee as the Eagles’ expected starting quarterback for a second consecutive game, with Hurts on injured reserve as Philadelphia reorganizes its offense.
For McKee, a credible running threat could create more manageable passing situations. That would help an offense seeking consistency without requiring Barkley to carry every part of the attack.
Availability still comes before workload
There are limits to that expectation. Returning to practice does not establish a full workload, and Philadelphia still needs to see how Barkley responds as the week progresses.
Dallas also has reasons to treat the matchup seriously. Both teams enter at 2-4, leaving Monday’s result capable of changing the immediate picture in a closely grouped NFC East.
The Cowboys’ preview noted that their defense has allowed at least 20 points in every game this season, providing another important backdrop to Philadelphia’s attempt to rediscover offensive rhythm.
Even so, the Eagles need more than a favorable opponent or one returning star. Better execution across possessions remains essential if they are to turn opportunity into sustained scoring.
Monday’s game at Lincoln Financial Field therefore brings a simple question into focus: can Philadelphia rebuild enough offensive balance to support McKee and stop its losing streak against Dallas?
Barkley’s expected practice return is an encouraging first step. His participation level and eventual game designation will determine how much weight Philadelphia can place on that possibility.
