Should I Start Saquon Barkley?

Tuesday, October 27, 8:06 AM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (back, hamstring) said his "hamstring came out great" after the Monday night loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys and does not think his back issue will keep him out after his highly efficient performance in the 38-21 loss, according to Tim McManus of ESPN. Barkley was questionable for the Week 7 game due to a hamstring injury that kept him out the previous two weeks. The Eagles tried to limit Barkley's carries, and that number dropped further when his back locked up as the game progressed on Monday. The 29-year-old played only nine offensive snaps and touched the ball every time he was on the field, finishing with seven carries for 62 yards and a touchdown while adding two catches for nine yards. He became the first NFL starter in the last 20 seasons to play at least nine offensive snaps in a game and get a touch on all of them. Barkley was seen wincing on the sideline, spent some time in the medical tent, and stretched with trainers on the bench. He tweaked his back on a 29-yard run in the first quarter, and it got progressively worse. Barkley's last snap of the game came in the third quarter. Tank Bigsby (abdomen), Will Shipley (foot), and Carson Steele (shoulder) are all on Injured Reserve, and Dameon Pierce left in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury. If Barkley and Pierce are not cleared for the Week 8 game on Sunday night against the division-rival Washington Commanders, the Eagles would be down to Elijah Mitchell in their backfield.