Saquon Barkley Expected to Return to Practice, Play vs. Cowboys

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is in line to play Monday against the Cowboys after being sidelined for two games with a hamstring injury.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is expected to return to practice Thursday and is in line to play Monday against the Dallas Cowboys, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Barkley has been sidelined for the past two games after exiting early in the first quarter of a Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams due to a hamstring injury. Through four appearances this season, Barkley has recorded 182 rushing yards on 36 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt.

Barkley’s return provides a boost to a Philadelphia ground game that currently ranks 29th in the NFL with 82.2 rushing yards per contest. The offense is currently operating without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is out for the remainder of the season with blood clots in his lungs. The backfield has been heavily depleted, as Tank Bigsby (abdomen) and Will Shipley (foot) are both on injured reserve, leaving Dameon Pierce as the primary runner during last week's game against the Carolina Panthers.

Personnel issues extend to the offensive line, which is missing three starters: Lane Johnson (retirement), Cam Jurgens (traded), and Landon Dickerson (knee). On defense, coordinator Vic Fangio stated he is hopeful edge rusher Jonathan Greenard (ankle) can play against Dallas. Fangio also noted it is possible that Jalyx Hunt (knee/ankle) returns depending on this week's practice performance, while Nolan Smith remains out with a concussion.