The Philadelphia Eagles could be without their most explosive offensive player for the remainder of Monday night's NFC East showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. Running back Saquon Barkley is listed as questionable to return after suffering a back injury in the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The team announced the injury as Philadelphia attempted to end its four-game losing streak and get back into the NFC East race. Before the latest injury update, Barkley had seven carries for 62 yards and a touchdown, averaging 8.9 yards per attempt.
He also caught two passes for nine yards, providing a much-needed boost to an offense that entered Monday night struggling to establish consistency. The setback comes in Barkley's first game back after missing two straight contests with a hamstring injury he suffered against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. He returned to practice Thursday, fully participated Saturday, and was cleared to face Dallas.His availability becomes even more significant with Jalen Hurts sidelined and Philadelphia relying on Tanner McKee at quarterback. The Eagles have leaned on the run against Dallas, with Barkley and Dameon Pierce combining for 109 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries through the third quarter.
Pierce has handled the bulk of the work, carrying 14 times for 47 yards and a touchdown. He would likely remain Philadelphia's primary ball carrier if Barkley cannot return, with Elijah Mitchell as an option after being elevated from the practice squad.
The Eagles have already dealt with significant injuries across their offense, including the absences of wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks. Losing Barkley would create another obstacle for an offense attempting to overcome those personnel losses and stay competitive in the division.
Philadelphia has not provided additional details about the severity of Barkley's back injury or whether he will return. His status will be closely watched as the Eagles enter the fourth quarter against Dallas.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Saquon Barkley suffers back injury during Eagles-Cowboys matchup