Saquon Barkley Limited by Back Issue in Eagles Loss to Cowboys

Saquon Barkley scored an 8-yard touchdown and totaled 62 rushing yards on seven carries before a back injury limited him to nine total snaps.

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-21 on Monday night as Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was limited to nine offensive snaps due to injury. Barkley, who entered the contest questionable with a hamstring issue, touched the ball on every play he was on the field, finishing with seven carries for 62 yards and two receptions for nine yards. According to ESPN, Barkley is the first NFL starter in 20 seasons to record a touch on every snap while playing at least nine offensive plays.

Barkley opened the scoring with an 8-yard touchdown run on Philadelphia's first possession but tweaked his back during a 29-yard run later in the first quarter. The running back spent time in the medical tent and used an exercise bike on the sideline as the injury progressively worsened. His final appearance occurred in the third quarter. Despite the setback, Barkley stated his hamstring felt fine and expressed optimism that the back issue would not cause a long-term absence.

Philadelphia's backfield depth was further depleted when Dameon Pierce exited in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury. The Eagles were already playing without Will Shipley, Tank Bigsby, and Carson Steele, who are all currently on injured reserve. Practice squad elevation Elijah Mitchell handled rushing duties for the remainder of the game following Pierce's departure.