Philadelphia’s star running back gave everything he had in a short night, and the numbers show it.
Saquon Barkley said his hamstring held up well and that he does not expect a back problem to keep him out after a gritty performance in the Philadelphia Eagles’ 38 to 21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026.
How did Saquon Barkley play against Dallas?
Barkley was listed as questionable after missing the previous two games with a hamstring injury. The Eagles planned to limit his workload, and his snaps dropped further as his back locked up.
He played just nine snaps and touched the ball on every one. He ran seven times for 62 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for 9 yards. He averaged nearly 9 yards per carry.
Saquon Barkley became the first NFL starter in the past 20 seasons to play at least nine offensive snaps in a game and get a touch on all of them.
What happened to Barkley’s back?
Saquon Barkley said he tweaked his back on a run of 29 yards in the first quarter and that it got progressively worse. His final snap came in the third quarter.
Barkley visibly managed his injuries all night. After scoring on a touchdown run of 8 yards on the Eagles’ first drive, he went straight to the exercise bike on the sideline. He also spent time in the medical tent and stretched with trainers on the bench.
Saquon Barkley said he does not believe the back issue will keep him out but will defer to the training staff. He said the hamstring came out of the game feeling great.
What did Saquon Barkley say about playing hurt?
Barkley said he comes from a school of thought that if you are able to play, sometimes you must push your body to the limit because you love the game.
He said his body was not responding the way he wanted, which was frustrating because he is trying to be the best leader he can be and it is hard when he cannot perform for his team.
The Eagles head coach said the player’s health comes first and that doctors and trainers felt Barkley was ready. He called Barkley tough and said the team probably had to slow him down because he would play every snap if he could. The team kept a close eye on him throughout the game.
How bad are the Eagles’ injuries at running back?
Severe. Will Shipley, Tank Bigsby and Carson Steele are all on injured reserve with foot, abdomen and shoulder injuries. Dameon Pierce left Monday’s game in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury.
That left Elijah Mitchell, who was promoted from the practice squad for the game, to handle the backfield late. Mitchell, a veteran, has bounced between several teams during his career.
The injuries come as Philadelphia plays without quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is expected to miss the rest of the season with blood clots.
What is next for Saquon Barkley and the Eagles?
The loss dropped Philadelphia further back in a crowded NFC East, where Dallas and the New York Giants sit ahead. Dallas won with a big night on the ground, rushing for more than 200 yards.
Barkley, who won Offensive Player of the Year in 2024 after rushing for more than 2,000 yards, remains the centerpiece of the offense. He also helped Philadelphia win the Super Bowl that season. How quickly his back recovers could shape the Eagles’ season.
For now, Saquon Barkley’s toughness may be one of the few bright spots for a Philadelphia team hit hard by injuries.
