Saquon Barkley injury: Will the Eagles’ RB be able to play Thursday against the Giants?

The Philadelphia Eagles suffered their first loss of the season to the Denver Broncos in Week 5 - a week that saw running back Saquon Barkley get just six carries for 30 yards, plus three receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown. His limited involvement sparked criticism of the Eagles’ offensive strategy, particularly from fans who questioned why their star running back was underutilized.

Imagine how they felt when he showed up on the injury report the next day.

Saquon Barkley’s injury status heading into Week 6 TNF vs Giants

The Eagles are on a short week and facing their divisional opponent New York Giants on Thursday Night Football. So it was concerning when Barkley appeared on the injury report as “did not participate” due to a knee issue.

However, both team reports and Barkley himself have since downplayed the situation. On Tuesday, he was listed as a limited participant in the team’s walkthrough. He clarified then that the injury was “nothing to be worried about” and that his absence from practice was merely precautionary since the team “didn’t practice” on Monday.

“If you have anything, everything has to be reported,” Barkley said. “So I know that the Eagles are doing what they’re supposed to do, but nothing to be worried about. Some general soreness. And I’m excited to play.”

Through five games, Barkley has rushed for 267 yards on 3.2 yards per carry, one of the lowest averages of his career. But with Philadelphia’s rushing attack struggling, his return to a bigger workload against a Giants defense allowing 5.3 yards per carry could be just what the offense needs to rebound.

As Barkley put it: “We talked about it, we learned from our mistakes, and we get ready to go play on Thursday... What better way to get that sour taste out of your mouth than getting to play right away?”

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