Concern for Saquon Barkley raised with Eagles’ latest injury report

Saquon Barkley’s health will still be worth monitoring

We got a glimpse of what the Eagles offense looks like without Barkley in Week 5’s 21-17 home loss to the Denver Broncos (3-2), and the results were suboptimal. Barkley only received six carries, gaining 30 yards, and while head coach Nick Sirianni didn’t say anything about an injury after the game, it would explain why Barkley was a non-factor despite the Eagles being in a perfect position to utilize him after building a 14-point second-half lead.

Philadelphia has the talent in the passing game with playmakers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith at wide receiver to make up for a possibly limited Barkley, although the attack has been maddeningly inconsistent. Against the Broncos, quarterback Jalen Hurts had season-highs in completions, attempts and passing yards but also sacks.

Philadelphia plays on a short week in Week 6, traveling to the New York Giants (1-4) for “Thursday Night Football.” With such a quick turnaround, the Eagles might feel inclined to prioritize Barkley's long-term health, which could force them into another pass-heavy game script. While New York’s pass rush was non-existent in Sunday’s 24-16 road loss to the New Orleans Saints (1-4), Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Dexter Lawrence II should have plenty of opportunities to pressure Hurts if Barkley is inactive.

After that, the Eagles have nine days of rest before playing the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7, which would seem to be enough time for Barkley to heal. But for a team looking to rebound quickly after Sunday's disappointment, Monday's injury report raised alarms. Because without a healthy Barkley, the Eagles don't have much bite.