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Saquon Barkley Development Emerges on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Nov 27, 2025 4:13 PM ET

Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles are looking to bounce back on Friday when they take on the Chicago Bears in a post-Thanksgiving matchup. The Eagles are coming off a tough loss on Sunday against Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys, 24-21. After mounting a 21-0 lead in the first half, the Eagles allowed the Cowboys to score 24 unanswered points, resulting in one of Philadelphia’s most disappointing losses of the season.

Barkley then popped up on the injury report after the game as the defending champions made their preparations for the Bears game. A significant update on his status has now emerged on Thursday.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) during an NFL game. Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Barkley, the reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year, is having another big season with the Eagles. In 11 games played thus far, the All-Pro running back has already registered 185 carries for 684 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Barkley is now looking to add to his tally against the Bears on Black Friday. The three-time Pro Bowler, however, was a limited participant in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday due to a groin injury. However, it now appears that he will be able to play after the Eagles’ injury announcement on Thursday.

The team has posted their Thanksgiving Day practice report, and the good news is that, for the first time this week, Barkley was listed as a full participant.

Thursday’s Injury Report #CHIvsPHI pic.twitter.com/iWcM30QeTo
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 27, 2025

It is worth noting that the Eagles had a walkthrough on Thursday, which means that the injury report is an estimation. Nevertheless, Barkley’s full participant status bodes well for his availability for Friday’s contest.

There’s more good news for Philly on the DeVonta Smith front. The 27-year-old wide receiver missed practice on Tuesday and Wednesday due to a shoulder and chest injury as well as an illness. Smith was estimated as a full participant on Thursday as well, which means that, like Barkley, Smith should be available to play against Chicago.

The Eagles enter Friday’s contest with an 8-3 record, while the Bears are also 8-3. Philly will host the game at Lincoln Financial Field, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET.

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

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