Eagles’ Saquon Barkley Back on Practice Field After Positive Injury Update

Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley left the game in Week 2 with a stinger and hadn't practiced through Wednesday ahead of their Week 3 matchup against the Chicago Bears.

However, on Thursday, Barkley received good MRI results, is back on the practice field, and expects to play on Monday against the Bears.

This is great news for the Eagles offense as they look to establish the run game in the 2026 season. In Week 1, Barkley rushed for 83 yards on 15 carries against the Washington Commanders, including a 42-yard run. 

However, in Week 2, he didn't do much even before exiting the game, rushing for nine yards on four carries. Philadelphia didn't run the ball well as a team, managing just 89 yards on 32 attempts (2.8 yards per carry).

The Eagles will look to establish the run in their Week 3 matchup against the Bears, with Barkley leading the way. The 29-year-old is one of the best running backs in the league and could help ease the pressure off Jalen Hurts and the passing attack.

Hurts didn't have his best performance in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans, completing 26 of 37 passes for 264 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. 

Establishing a run game will help Hurts limit turnovers. Barkley proved in his first season with Philadelphia in 2024 that he can lead the offense, rushing for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns and winning the Offensive Player of the Year Award.

He wasn't as dominant in 2025, but still had a strong season, rushing for 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games.

It's pivotal for first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion to establish Barkley and the run game, as the passing attack has some question marks. The Eagles don't have a ton of depth in the receiver room outside of DeVonta Smith.

Smith had an explosive game in Week 2, proving he can be a reliable top weapon with 10 receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown. Offseason acquisition Dontayvion Wicks has also been solid with seven receptions for 147 yards and two touchdowns through the first two games.

However, first-round pick Makai Lemon has just four receptions for nine yards, and tight end Dallas Goedert will miss multiple weeks with a sprained MCL.

Philadelphia should be excited to have Barkley back on the field and must get him going to help Hurts and the passing game turn things around.