Saquon Barkley’s hamstring injury is not considered long-term, but the Philadelphia Eagles still do not know when their star running back can return. He is considered week to week, leaving his availability for Sunday’s game against Jacksonville in London uncertain.
Barkley left Philadelphia’s 24-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 4 after a six-yard run early in the first quarter. He had two carries for eight yards before exiting. The Eagles have not announced a specific recovery timetable or a date for his return.
Coach Nick Sirianni said Monday that the team expected to have more answers Wednesday, Oct. 7, after Barkley went through treatment and the injury’s response could be assessed. Until the club provides that update, the week-to-week designation offers reassurance against a longer absence, not a firm indication that he will be ready for Week 5.
The uncertainty carries extra weight because Philadelphia’s backfield has also lost Tank Bigsby. The Eagles placed the backup on injured reserve Tuesday after he was hurt against the Rams, leaving Will Shipley as the only healthy running back on the active roster at the time of the announcement. That makes Barkley’s recovery a pressing roster concern as well as a question about one player’s availability.
Barkley had 182 rushing yards on 36 carries through four games, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. His absence would leave Philadelphia without its leading back for a London matchup against a Jaguars team that entered the week 3-1. The Eagles are 2-2 after consecutive losses, and their offense is already managing injuries elsewhere.
For Barkley, the immediate message is measured: the injury is not viewed as long-term, but no return date has been set. Philadelphia’s next steps—and how much of its ground-game plan it can preserve—depend on what the team learns as the week progresses.