Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or Isaiah Likely

Saturday, October 24, 1:13 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) is questionable to return to the lineup in a Week 7 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Football. He was a limited participant in practice on Thursday and Friday before being upgraded to a full participant on Saturday. If active, Barkley will likely immediately resume his starting role. After missing the past two games, and the majority of the Week 4 contest against the Los Angeles Rams, it will be interesting to see how many snaps and touches Barkley receives, but if he is able to give it a go, Barkley should lead the Philadelphia backfield. Dameon Pierce - who has filled in as the main running back for the Eagles during Barkley's absence - will likely play a role behind Barkely. Additionally, it would not be surprising to see running back Elijah Mitchell, who was signed to Philadelphia's practice squad on Oct. 20, get elevated to the game-day roster against Dallas. The Eagles currently have three tailbacks on injured reserve: Tank Bigsby (abdomen), Will Shipley (foot) and Carson Steele (shoulder). Of note, the Eagles are without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, who will miss the remainder of the 2026 season due to multiple blood clots found in his lungs. Tanner McKee will start at quarterback for Philadelphia. Barkley has a dream matchup against the rival Cowboys in Week 7, as Dallas notoriously has the worst rushing defense in the league, giving 149.8 rushing yards per game. The Cowboys are tied for 25th in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.7). Meanwhile, according to Pro Football Focus, Dallas surrenders 19.6 fantasy points per game to running backs (tied 25th in the NFL). Through four appearances in 2026, Barkley has amassed 36 rushes for 182 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and four receptions for eight yards (2.0 yards per catch). Barkley is yet to score this season. He ranks as RotoBaller's No. 11 running back for Week 7 (half-PPR). Barkley's status for Sunday needs to be watched closely.