Philadelphia
Barkley has been sidelined for the past two games after sustaining a hamstring injury early in the first quarter of the team's Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. His return comes at a critical juncture for the Philadelphia offense, which is currently navigating the remainder of the season without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was ruled out due to blood clots in his lungs.
Bolstering a depleted Eagles backfield
The return of Barkley offers a much-needed boost to a Philadelphia ground game that has struggled significantly in his absence. Entering the matchup against Dallas, the Eagles currently rank 29th in the league in rushing yards per game, averaging just 82.2 yards. Through his four appearances this season, Barkley has recorded 36 carries for 182 yards, maintaining an average of 5.1 yards per attempt.
The team's depth at the position has been severely tested in recent weeks. With Tank Bigsby currently dealing with an abdomen injury and Will Shipley sidelined by a foot issue—both of whom remain on injured reserve—the Eagles were forced to rely on their fourth-string running back, Dameon Pierce, during last week's game against the Carolina Panthers.
Broader injury concerns for Philadelphia
Beyond the backfield, the Eagles continue to manage a challenging injury landscape across the roster. The offensive line has been particularly hampered, missing three of its original starters: Lane Johnson, who retired; Cam Jurgens, who was traded; and Landon Dickerson, who is out with a knee injury. These personnel changes have impacted the unit's overall effectiveness in both run blocking and pass protection.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is also monitoring several key contributors on the other side of the ball. Edge rushers Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, and Jonathan Greenard are all managing injuries. While Smith is dealing with a concussion and Hunt is nursing knee and ankle issues, Fangio expressed optimism regarding Greenard’s availability for the Cowboys game. The status of Hunt remains uncertain, with the defensive coordinator noting that his participation will depend on his progress throughout the week of practice.
