Eagles Activate Barkley for Cowboys Clash Amid Offense Struggles

Saquon Barkley is back on the field for the Eagles, giving the offense a key weapon before a Monday night game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The 2024 Offensive Player of the Year was listed as a limited participant in Thursday and Friday practices and became a full participant on Saturday. He is officially active for Week 7.

The Eagles have struggled to move the ball this season. The offense has averaged fewer than 4.0 yards per play in three consecutive games, a streak that marks the first time since 1999 the team has hit that mark within a single season. Philadelphia is also being out-gained by 108.3 total yards per game, the worst total in the NFL.

Barkley’s return comes with a stark contrast in rushing efficiency. He has averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 36 attempts this year. The rest of the Eagles running backs have averaged just 2.8 yards per rush on 71 attempts. Last week against the Carolina Panthers, Dameon Pierce carried the ball only 12 times for 35 yards and one touchdown.

The roster is thin due to injuries. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is expected to miss the rest of the season after blood clots were found in his lungs. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Barkley himself has dealt with a stinger from the Week 2 game against the Tennessee Titans and a hamstring pull in the Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Despite the injury list, the Eagles have a strong history in this specific matchup. Philadelphia has won four straight home games against the Cowboys. That streak is tied for the second-longest in team history. The Eagles have also won seven of their last eight primetime home games.

Barkley has played fewer than 16% of offensive snaps in half of his appearances this season. His return to the active roster offers a chance to stabilize a ground game that has been inconsistent throughout the first six weeks.