Should I Start Saquon Barkley?

Thursday, November 5, 9:44 AM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring, back) is practicing with the team on Thursday, according to Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. Barkley did not practice on Wednesday, so this is a good sign that he is trending in the right direction for the team's Week 9 game this Sunday against the division-rival New York Giants. Fantasy managers will want to check back for the 29-year-old's official practice status, but Barkley will most likely be limited as he continues to manage hamstring and back injuries. Barkley missed Weeks 5 and 6 with a hamstring injury before returning in the Week 7 Monday night loss to the Dallas Cowboys, when he immediately tweaked his hamstring and added a back injury. He played just 15% of the offensive snaps in that game, but he was effective with his nine touches, totaling 71 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown. Barkley played 32% of the snaps in the Week 8 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday night, carrying the ball 13 times for 30 yards and a touchdown while adding a 24-yard reception, but he was seen stretching all game and was not on the field late in the game. If Barkley continues to play through his hamstring/back injuries, he could continue to yield valuable playing time to Elijah Mitchell, making him a volatile RB2 for fantasy managers, at risk of another setback this Sunday if he is active.