Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is expected to miss a second straight game with a hamstring injury after missing practice again Friday, according to CBS Sports. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith was cleared to play against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, per Sporting News.
Barkley has not practiced in two weeks because of the hamstring issue, leaving his availability in serious doubt heading into Sunday’s game. Smith, meanwhile, was a full participant in Friday’s session and carries no status designation for Week 6 despite dealing with hamstring and toe injuries this season.
What The Sources Said
Barkley (hamstring) did not participate in Friday’s practice and hasn’t practiced in two weeks, per CBS Sports. Smith was listed as a full participant Friday with no injury designation for Week 6, according to Sporting News.
Who Replaces Barkley
Dameon Pierce is expected to start at running back for the Eagles if Barkley is ruled inactive, according to CBS Sports. Pierce would take over a backfield already thinned out by other absences. The Eagles are also without running backs Will Shipley and Tank Bigsby, a group Sporting News noted leaves Philadelphia needing to rely heavily on its passing game against Carolina.
That passing attack will not include Jalen Hurts, who is sidelined by a superficial blood clot. Tanner McKee is set to start at quarterback in his place, and Sporting News described McKee as more of a traditional pocket passer without Hurts’ mobility. McKee will have a healthy group of targets to work with, as Smith, Dallas Goedert, Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon and Darius Cooper are all cleared to play.
Season Context
Smith was listed as limited on Thursday but advanced to full participation Friday, clearing him for Sunday without a designation despite hamstring and toe injuries. Barkley’s two-week absence from practice contrasts sharply with Smith’s availability.
What’s Next
The Eagles host the Panthers on Sunday. Read the Panthers vs. Eagles Week 6 preview for more on the matchup, and learn more about Hurts’ blood clot diagnosis.
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