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The Philadelphia Eagles will be without running back Saquon Barkley for Sunday’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers, but wide receiver DeVonta Smith is expected to return after missing the previous two games with a hamstring injury.
Philadelphia ruled Barkley out Friday as he continues to recover from the hamstring injury he sustained during the team’s Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Smith, meanwhile, received no injury designation after participating fully in Friday’s practice, putting him in line to play.
“I’m good,” Smith said after practice, although he added that his availability was “up to the doctors.”
The Eagles will also be without quarterback Jalen Hurts, who was ruled out Thursday because of a superficial blood clot in his calf. Tanner McKee is expected to start in his place.
Eagles Face Backfield Shortage
Barkley’s absence leaves Philadelphia short of options at running back. The Eagles placed Will Shipley on injured reserve Friday with a foot injury, while Tank Bigsby is also unavailable.
With all three backs unavailable, Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele will likely handle the available backfield work against Carolina.
The Eagles will need their remaining running backs to step up as McKee prepares to make his first start of the season. Smith’s return should provide the quarterback with an established receiving option as Philadelphia looks to end its three-game losing streak.
DeVonta Smith’s Return Boosts Philadelphia’s Offense
Smith’s availability would give the Eagles an important boost after he missed two games while dealing with a hamstring injury. Smith’s availability would give the Eagles an important boost after he missed two games while dealing with a hamstring injury. The wide receiver completed Friday’s practice without restrictions, and the Eagles did not designate him for the game.
Philadelphia could also receive help at wide receiver from Dontayvion Wicks, who finished Friday’s practice as a full participant after dealing with a hamstring injury. He also received no game designation.
Their potential availability gives McKee additional options in the passing game, although the Eagles must still adjust to playing without Hurts and Barkley.
Eagles Rule Out Several Defensive Players
Philadelphia will also be without edge rushers Jalyx Hunt and A.J. Epenesa, who are dealing with knee and ankle issues and a back injury, respectively. Safety Michael Carter is out with an abdominal injury.
Jonathan Greenard, meanwhile, received no injury designation after working through an ankle issue. He said he plans to test the ankle before the game, as he did before Philadelphia’s previous matchup in London.
Offensive linemen Landon Dickerson and Drew Kendall were listed as questionable with knee injuries.
The Eagles enter Sunday’s game at 2-3 and need a strong performance to halt their recent slide. Smith’s expected return offers encouragement, but the absences of Hurts, Barkley and several other contributors leave Philadelphia with significant challenges against Carolina.
