Barkley: Hamstring Held Up, Back Issue Not Expected to Sideline Him

Saquon Barkley told reporters Monday night that his hamstring performed well in his return to action and that a back issue that flared up during the game should not keep him out going forward. His remarks followed the Philadelphia Eagles' 38-21 defeat by the Dallas Cowboys.

Barkley entered the contest listed as questionable after missing the previous two weeks with a hamstring injury. The coaching staff planned to limit his workload, but his playing time shrank further when his back locked up as the game progressed. He played nine total offensive snaps and touched the ball on every one of them.

The running back finished with seven carries for 62 yards and a touchdown, along with two catches for 9 yards. He became the first NFL starter in the past 20 seasons to play at least nine offensive snaps in a game and receive a touch on each one.

Barkley visibly managed his physical condition throughout the night. He spent time in the medical tent and stretched with trainers on the bench. After scoring on an 8-yard run during the Eagles' first offensive possession, he moved directly to the exercise bike on the sideline.

The player said he tweaked his back on a 29-yard run in the first quarter and that the condition worsened from there. His final snap occurred in the third quarter. He stated he does not believe the issue will cost him time but deferred to the training staff for a final assessment.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said the team prioritized the player's health before clearing him to play. Sirianni noted that the medical staff felt Barkley was ready, though they kept a close eye on him. The coach added that Barkley is "tough as heck" and would have stayed on the field for every play if allowed, meaning the staff "probably had to slow him up."

Injury issues continue to affect the Eagles' backfield. Will Shipley, Tank Bigsby, and Carson Steele are on injured reserve with foot, abdomen, and shoulder injuries, respectively. Dameon Pierce left in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury. This left Elijah Mitchell, who was promoted from the practice squad for the game, to handle the remaining running back duties.