Eagles Make RB Announcement After Saquon Barkley Update

Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Eagles Make RB Announcement After Saquon Barkley Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 31, 2026 6:29 PM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles’ entire offensive unit has been crushed by injuries. As a result, they are sitting at 2-5, losers of five straight, and there is not much hope they will turn it around soon.

However, if they do, they are going to have to lean on Saquon Barkley, whose importance is much greater now with Jalen Hurts out for the rest of the season.

Barkley himself is still dealing with nagging back and hamstring injuries. He admitted that although he does not carry an injury designation for Philadelphia’s Week 8 matchup with the Washington Commanders, it will be something he will have to manage, per Brooks Kubena of The Athletic.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Barkley played just nine snaps on Monday Night Football in a loss against the Dallas Cowboys, rushing for 62 yards and a touchdown while adding two receptions for nine yards.

With Barkley not near full strength, the Eagles had no choice but to add some depth for Sunday’s game against Washington. The team announced on Saturday that Elijah Mitchell had been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster.

Mitchell, a former San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs running back, was also elevated on Monday night against the Cowboys.

We have elevated RB Elijah Mitchell and LB Mason Reiger for tomorrow’s game. pic.twitter.com/Jir3Z6X7rH
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 31, 2026

Mitchell did most of his damage through the air, catching three passes for 23 yards while rushing the ball three times for 11 yards. This will be his second practice squad elevation, meaning he has only one more before the Eagles would have to decide whether to sign him to the active roster.

Given Philadelphia is still awaiting the return of Tank Bigsby, if Mitchell impresses in a limited role, that could be possible.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: