Barkley runs 62 yards on nine snaps in Eagles loss

Saquon Barkley returned to the Eagles lineup on Monday night and finished with 62 rushing yards on just nine snaps in a 38-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The running back had missed the previous two games with a hamstring injury and entered this contest as a game-time decision. Despite the limited workload, he touched the ball on every snap he played.

Barkley recorded seven carries for 62 yards and one touchdown, along with two receptions for 9 yards. His first snap resulted in an 8-yard score on the opening drive. He then tweaked his back on a 29-yard run in the first quarter. The injury worsened as the game went on, and he did not play after the third quarter.

"Hamstring came out great," Barkley said after the game. He added that he does not expect the back issue to keep him out of upcoming games, though he deferred to the medical staff for a final decision. He described the process of playing through pain as difficult, noting that his body is not responding the way he wants it to right now.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said the staff felt Barkley was ready to play after checks from doctors and trainers. "He's tough as heck," Sirianni said. The coach noted that Barkley wanted to be on the field for every play but that the team had to manage his workload to protect his health.

Barkley spent time in the medical tent during the game. At one point, he stretched on the bench with trainers. Immediately after scoring his touchdown, he moved quickly to a sideline exercise bike. This is the first time in 20 seasons that an NFL starter has played at least nine offensive snaps and received a touch on all of them.

The Eagles have dealt with multiple injuries at the running back position this season. Will Shipley, Tank Bigsby, and Carson Steele are currently on injured reserve with foot, abdomen, and shoulder problems, respectively. Dameon Pierce also left the game in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury. Elijah Mitchell, called up from the practice squad, handled the remaining rushing duties.