Saquon Barkley hurts back as Eagles fall to 2-5 vs. Cowboys

Philly got a lot of bodies back for Monday night, and the depth chart behind the starter changed too.

Saquon Barkley was active after missing 2 games with a hamstring. Landon Dickerson came back at left guard after 5 games out with a knee injury, and rookie TE Eli Stowers came off IR for his NFL debut. The QB room changed as well: Joe Milton was promoted to back up starter Tanner McKee, and Cole Payton was the emergency third. Nolan Smith, DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks were all inactive, so this was not a full-strength Eagles team. It was still a healthier one than they've had in weeks.

Mike Garafolo

@MikeGarafolo

Saquon Barkley is a go, Landon Dickerson is back and rookie TE Eli Stowers is set to make his debut for the #Eagles.

Philadelphia Eagles

@Eagles

Tonight's Inactives #DALvsPHI t.co/FiJDXxahsN

For about 20 minutes it looked like the reinforcements were going to matter. The opening drive went 75 yards in 4 plays, with Barkley ripping off a 29-yarder and then punching in an 8-yard touchdown.

Clarence Hill Jr

@clarencehilljr

Eagles with a back up quarterback Tanner McKee march 75 yards on four plays to take a 7-3 lead. Barkely scored on an 8 yard run. He also had a 29 yard run on the drive. McKee had a 21-yard pass to Lemon. Quinnen Williams was flagged for offsides on the play before the TD. Great start Dallas

The second drive went 76 yards and ended with Dameon Pierce scoring from 5 out behind a Jordan Mailata block that moved his man 5 yards backwards. Sean Mannion's early script had 124 yards in the first quarter, and Philly led 14-10 with a backup QB. Then it fell apart. Barkley was clearly limping after that first long run and spent time on the sideline bouncing around to keep the hamstring loose. Britain Covey went out with a knee injury. McKee missed 2 throws on a three-and-out, and Vic Fangio's defense gave up 275 yards at 7.1 a play in the first half. Dallas led 20-14 at the break.

The Eagles took a 21-20 lead on the first drive of the third quarter, their first touchdown to open a second half all season. That turned out to be the last thing that went right. Barkley went to the sideline again, this time for his back.

Mike Garafolo

@MikeGarafolo

The #Eagles say Saquon Barkley is questionable to return with a back injury.

Dallas scored the last 18 points. Dak Prescott threw 3 touchdowns, and the Eagles' run defense and pass rush did nothing to stop it. McKee finished 23-of-35 for 211 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Barkley had 62 yards on 7 carries before the back ended his night.

Afterwards, Nick Sirianni leaned on the one bit of history he has. He started 2-5 in his first season in 2021 too, turned it around, and says that run made the Eagles who they became.

Jeff McLane

@Jeff_McLane

#Eagles HC Nick Sirianni at 2-5 — same record he was in his first season — said that 2021 turnaround spurred who they would become. Still thinks there is an opportunity to get on track.

The locker room was not as interested in talking. Jalen Carter declined to speak to reporters for a third straight game after a night with 2 assisted tackles, and he left with this:

Jeff McLane

@Jeff_McLane

"Y'all have a good night and drive home safe." -- Jalen Carter after he declined to talk with reporters for a third straight game. The #Eagles DT finished with just two assisted tackles in the 38-21 loss to the Cowboys. He wasn't the only one from Vic Fangio's defense to underperform.

By Tuesday morning the best news Philly had came from Barkley himself. He said he tweaked the hamstring on his first run and hurt his back trying to play through it, but the hamstring held up and he doesn't think the back will keep him out.

Adam Schefter

@AdamSchefter

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley said his “hamstring came out great” and he doesn't believe his back issue will keep him out. Story via @Tim_McManus: t.co/WtY4RsczJq

So the Eagles are 2-5. Their best back says he's fine, their defense looks broken, and the offense showed real life under Mannion with McKee at QB. The 2021 comparison only works if they start winning right away. Next up is Barkley's injury report, and whether Milton stays the backup or ends up being more than that.