Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or Michael Thomas

Saturday, September 26, 12:52 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (neck/shoulder) suffered a stinger injury in a 24-20 Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans, but will be available for Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears in Week 3. Barkley was a limited participant in practice on Thursday before upgrading to full practice participation on Friday. According to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Barkley said on Thursday that he had an MRI that "went well." On Friday, Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia reported that Barkley said he was "feeling good" this week and that he will wear a cowboy collar to help protect his neck. Barkley got hurt in the first quarter of the game against the Titans and eventually returned, but played just 12 snaps in Week 2. He totaled four carries for just nine yards, while adding one reception (on two targets) for 11 yards against Tennessee. Barkley played 39 snaps in a 24-22 Week 1 victory over the Washington Commanders. Barkley will face a Chicago defense that is giving up 122 rushing yards per game (22nd in the NFL) through two weeks. Through two games in 2026, Barkley has tallied 19 carries for 92 yards (4.8 yards per attempt) and two catches for eight yards. He is yet to find the end zone. Barkley is averaging 3.5 yards after contact per rush. If fully healthy, expect Barkley to get a full workload. He ranks as RotoBaller's No. 9 running back for Week 3, has a strong matchup rating of 115.7 and is projected to score 14.4 fantasy points. Fantasy managers can safely place Barkley in their lineups for Week 3.