Barkley Rushes for 62 Yards and Touchdown in Nine-Snap Eagle Return
The running back missed two weeks with a hamstring injury but played every snap he took against Dallas on Monday night.
By Nadia Rahman ·
Saquon Barkley carried the ball on every one of his nine offensive snaps in a 38-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night. He finished with six rushing attempts for 62 yards and a touchdown, along with two catches for nine yards. It is the first time in 20 seasons that an NFL starter has played at least nine snaps and recorded a touch on all of them.
Barkley missed the previous two weeks of the season with a hamstring injury. He returned to the field against Dallas as a questionable starter. His availability was further complicated by a back issue that flared up during the contest. He tweaked his back on a 29-yard run in the first quarter. The pain worsened as the game progressed, causing his playing time to drop.
Barkley’s last snap came in the third quarter. He spent portions of the game in the medical tent and stretched on the bench with trainers. Immediately after his eight-yard touchdown run on the opening drive, he moved to an exercise bike on the sideline. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said the staff wanted to monitor the player closely.
Sirianni noted that Barkley is a tough competitor who would have played every snap if allowed. The coaching staff decided to limit his workload to protect his health. Barkley said his hamstring feels good after the game. He does not believe the back issue will keep him out of upcoming games, though he deferred to the training staff for a final decision.
Barkley described his current physical state as frustrating. He said he is trying to push his body to the limit because he loves the game. The body is not responding the way he wants it to right now. He added that it is difficult to lead a team when he cannot perform on the field.
The Eagles are dealing with multiple injuries at the running back position. Will Shipley, Tank Bigsby, and Carson Steele are on injured reserve. Dameon Pierce left the game in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury. Elijah Mitchell, who was called up from the practice squad for the contest, is now handling the remaining running duties.
Source: ESPN
