Eagles RB Saquon Barkley returns to practice, bringing help to injury-plagued roster
The Philadelphia Eagles are getting some much-needed good news as running back Saquon Barkley returned to practice Thursday.
Barkley has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Oct. 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. The 2,000-yard rusher has been considered week to week but has yet to return to the field.
This was Barkley's first time back at practice, giving the offense a boost after being plagued by injuries. The running back was listed as a limited participant in practice in the Thursday injury report.
A carousel of Eagles injuries
Since Week 1, the Eagles' injury list has steadily grown, forcing the team to overcome injuries to its backfield, offensive line and even QB1.
Jalen Hurts is out for the rest of the season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis and blood clots in his lungs. Hurts will be on blood thinners, his agent Nicole Lynn said in a joint statement with the team Monday.
The injury first came to light on Oct. 8 when Hurts visited the training room after practice for treatment on his calf. Hurts said he had been cleated during the Rams game, but he continued to participate fully in practice over the next few days.
After flying to London for the team's international game against Jacksonville, Hurts had an ultrasound that revealed a small blood clot. He was cleared to play. The medical staff and doctors recommended a follow-up ultrasound after he returned to Philly. The follow-up ultrasound revealed movement in the blood clot, escalating the injury and sparking controversy over the Eagles' handling of the situation.
Since then, the league's players' union has requested an investigation into the team's handling of the injury, which Commissioner Roger Goodell said he welcomes.
The Eagles posted another long injury report Thursday, with Michael Carter (abdomen), Dallas Goedert (knee), Willie Lampkin (illness), DeVonta Smith (hamstring), Nolan Smith (concussion) and Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) all missing practice.
DeVonta Smith caught a touchdown pass during Sunday's loss to the Panthers but had been dealing with the hamstring injury in the preceding weeks, missing the prior two games.
Nick Sirianni addresses Barkley's return
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni emphasized the importance of getting Barkley back as the team prepares for Monday night's matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
"Anytime you get an opportunity to get a guy like that back on the field, it's huge," Sirianni said.
Sirianni added that Barkley's presence would pose a greater threat to defenses and help quarterback Tanner McKee.
As the offense turns to McKee, Sirianni said he's confident the fourth-year quarterback will improve with a full week of practice.
"I have no doubt in my mind," Sirianni said. "Because of the intangibles that he has, [McKee] will continue to grow, will continue to rise and reach his ceiling."
McKee first stepped in for Hurts last week against the Panthers, making his third career start.
Sirianni spoke only briefly about Hurts' recovery.
"I miss Jalen. I miss being around him on a daily basis," he said.
