Eagles' DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley Receive Disappointing Update

The Philadelphia Eagles have dropped three straight games after starting the season 2-0, and with their injuries mounting, the season only grows more challenging.

The Eagles have two stars out, DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley, which has hurt their offense. Philadelphia could be without them again this week, as neither of them participated in practice on Wednesday.

Smith has not appeared in a game since Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams, and unless he can log a practice or two before the end of the week, it's unlikely he'll suit up on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

Smith is the Eagles' clear top receiver after they traded away AJ Brown to the New England Patriots in the offseason. In the three games he's played, he has hauled in 19 receptions for 235 yards and a touchdown. Without him, Jalen Hurts will have to target Makai Lemon, Darius Cooper, and Dontayvion Wicks.

Philadelphia's run game could have a rough go in Week 6 if Barkley can't play. Barkley is one of the best running backs in the league, but he has been out since he suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4.

The depth behind him is also banged up, as Tank Bigsby was placed on the injured reserve and Will Shipley is expected to miss multiple weeks. That leaves the Eagles with Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele as the top two running backs on their roster.

The run game has struggled to be efficient in 2026, even when Barkley has been on the field. The offensive line has faced many challenges, including the retirement of Lane Johnson, the trade of Cam Jurgens, and the injuries to Landon Dickerson and Drew Kendall.

In four games, Barkley has rushed for 182 yards on 36 carries, but has not found the end zone. He had an elite season in 2024, winning the Offensive Player of the Year Award, rushing for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns on 345 carries.

While Barkley won't post those numbers in 2026, he will help out in the run game when he returns. 

If Philadelphia is without Smith and Barkley again, it could be a long Week 6 matchup against the Panthers. Carolina has played well this season, as they have a 2-2 record with their offense playing at an elite level. 

The Eagles will need to be more productive on offense, or the game could quickly turn into a blowout on Sunday.