He is working his hamstring after playing just 22 snaps in the loss to Washington. Many players would sit out a full week with that kind of pain, yet Barkley is back on the field at the Linc. He missed Wednesday’s session due to the injury but showed up Thursday afternoon to get ready for the Giants game.
The Toughness Factor
Barkley has fought through back and hamstring issues all season long. He missed two full games and most of two others because of neck and hamstring problems. His backups are both on injured reserve, which puts the entire pressure on his shoulders. Heavy.com reported that his return came after he was sidelined for the first day of the week. The running back is determined to play through the pain even as the team struggles.
“Saquon Barkley is out here after being sidelined for yesterday’s practice,” ESPN’s Tim McManus wrote on X. This return matters because the Eagles need their best runner to help stop a six-game losing streak. The team is currently 2-6 and sitting in a bad spot in the NFC East standings.
What the Reports Say
While Barkley is back, he is not fully cleared to go at 100 percent. Reports indicate he is specifically working out his hamstring after the warmups are done. Johnny McGonigal of Penn Live stated via his official X account that while he has returned to practice, the issue persists. This means he might not get all the reps he wants before Sunday.
“So that’s something he’s dealing with ahead of Sunday’s game vs. the Giants,” the report noted. Later today, the team intends to publish their official injury report to verify his condition. Other key players, DeVonta Smith and Dontavyion Wicks, are also missing practice.
Despite the pain, his teammates see his value clearly. Jordan Mailata, an All-Pro offensive tackle, praised Barkley for not giving up on the season. “He’s a champion — that guy, man,” Mailata told The Athletic’s Zach Berman. He added that Barkley’s influence on the field is exactly what the team needs right now.
Rookie Confidence Rising
While the focus is on Barkley, rookie Eli Stowers also made news this week. Against Washington in a loss, he secured three receptions totaling 53 yards during the second half. These were his first three career receptions in only his second NFL game. During the final two snaps of the contest, he recorded a 34-yard catch as time expired.
Stowers said after practice on Wednesday that getting his first catch helped his confidence. “It’s always good to get the first one out of the way and to be able to feel that in a game,” Stowers said at his locker. He also noted that his body feels better now than it did during a middling training camp. The Eagles did not rush him back from Injured Reserve, and that patience paid off on Sunday.
The team faces the Giants on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field. With Jalen Hurts ruled out for the season, Joe Milton is anticipated to begin his first career start.
