The Philadelphia Eagles received a measure of relief on Saquon Barkley’s hamstring injury, although the running back’s status for the club’s London trip remains unsettled and the depth chart behind him has been thinned considerably.
Barkley’s status remains uncertain
- Barkley left Sunday’s defeat against Los Angeles during the opening quarter after suffering a hamstring injury.
- The injury is being treated as a week-to-week issue rather than a long-term absence.
- His availability for Philadelphia’s Week 5 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London is therefore uncertain.
Philadelphia is 2-2 after consecutive losses and could be forced to prepare for Jacksonville without its lead back. Barkley has played parts of four games this season, producing 182 rushing yards on 36 attempts. His 5.1-yard average has been efficient, but he has not scored either on a run or reception.
He has added four catches for eight yards.
Thin backfield creates roster concern
The Eagles’ problem at running back extends beyond Barkley. Tank Bigsby, the primary reserve, is set to undergo core-muscle surgery and will be placed on injured reserve.
Will Shipley is currently the only other running back on Philadelphia’s active roster. The team also has no running backs assigned to its practice squad, leaving the club with limited internal options if Barkley cannot play in Week 5.
Offense searching for answers
Philadelphia enters the week ranked 15th in the NFL in rushing yards and 29th in total offense. The injuries have arrived as the Eagles attempt to halt their two-game skid.
In addition to Barkley and Bigsby, Philadelphia has been dealing with injuries involving wide receiver DeVonta Smith, Quinyon Mitchell and Jonathan Greenard, among others. Barkley avoiding a more serious diagnosis offers some encouragement, but the Eagles still face an immediate personnel challenge before their next kickoff in London.
