Barkley returns for Eagles, plays nine snaps against Cowboys
The running back rushed for 62 yards and a touchdown while managing hamstring and back pain in Philadelphia's Monday night loss.
By Yara Nasser ·
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley returned from a two week absence to play nine offensive snaps in Philadelphia's 38 to 21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night. Barkley reported that his hamstring felt great after the game and did not expect his new back injury to sideline him again.
The Eagles listed Barkley as questionable before kickoff. He touched the ball on every snap he played, finishing with seven carries for 62 yards and one touchdown. He also caught two passes for nine yards. Barkley became the first NFL starter in the past 20 seasons to record at least nine offensive snaps with a ball touch on each one.
Nick Sirianni, the Eagles head coach, said the medical staff cleared Barkley to play. Sirianni noted that the team wanted to keep a close eye on the veteran. The coach described Barkley as tough and eager to help his teammates, adding that Barkley would have played every down if allowed.
Barkley managed his physical condition throughout the contest. He spent time in the medical tent and stretched on the bench with trainers. After an eight yard touchdown run on the first offensive possession, he moved quickly to an exercise bike on the sideline.
The running back tweaked his back on a 29 yard rush in the first quarter. He said the pain worsened as the game progressed. His final snap occurred in the third quarter. Barkley deferred to the training staff for a final determination on his availability going forward.
Barkley said he tried to push his body to its limit because he loves the game. He admitted it is difficult to lead a team when the body does not respond as desired. The Eagles have suffered multiple injuries at the running back position this season.
Will Shipley, Tank Bigsby, and Carson Steele are on injured reserve with foot, abdomen, and shoulder injuries, respectively. Dameon Pierce left in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury. Elijah Mitchell, who was elevated from the practice squad for the game, handled remaining running duties.
Source: ESPN
