The Philadelphia Eagles are in a tight spot as they prepare for their Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Star running back Saquon Barkley is week-to-week with a hamstring injury, and backup Tank Bigsby will be placed on injured reserve following core muscle surgery.
Why it matters: The injuries to Barkley and Bigsby significantly weaken the Eagles' running game, forcing them to rely on limited options as they head into a key matchup in London.
Saquon Barkley suffered a hamstring injury during the Eagles' loss to the Los Angeles Rams and is considered week-to-week as of October 6, 2026.
Tank Bigsby, who was expected to step up in Barkley's absence, will require surgery for a core muscle injury and is headed to injured reserve.
The Eagles are now left with only Will Shipley as the healthy running back on the active roster for the upcoming game.
Driving the news: The Eagles' backfield situation deteriorated rapidly after injuries sidelined both Barkley and Bigsby. Barkley, who has been a central figure in the Eagles' offense since being drafted second-overall in 2018, managed just four snaps against the Rams before exiting with his injury.
Barkley and Bigsby have combined for 64 carries in the first four games of the season, highlighting their importance to the team's offensive strategy.
Will Shipley, a fourth-round pick in 2024, has only 15 carries this season, making him a less experienced option to lead the backfield.
State of play: With Barkley and Bigsby out, the Eagles are evaluating their options for reinforcements. They have three running backs on the practice squad who could potentially be called up, including Dameon Pierce, Jaydon Blue, and Carson Steele.
Dameon Pierce, a former fourth-round pick by the Houston Texans, was signed by the Eagles in March 2026 but missed most of training camp due to a hamstring injury.
Carson Steele, an undrafted player who spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, impressed during the preseason with 193 total yards and two touchdowns.
Jaydon Blue, a fifth-round pick by the Cowboys in 2025, was signed after being waived and brings additional depth to the position.
The big picture: The Eagles' running back crisis comes at a challenging time as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the NFC. The absence of both Barkley and Bigsby places immense pressure on Shipley, who has primarily was a third-down back and kickoff returner throughout his career.
Shipley has recorded 182 rushing yards on 59 carries (3.1 yards per attempt) in 35 games, significantly lower compared to the production expected from a starting running back.
With the Eagles traveling to London for the game against the Jaguars, there is urgency to finalize their roster and prepare adequately.
What they're saying: Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni addressed the media about the current state of the running back situation, stating, “We’ll see” when asked about Barkley’s availability for Sunday’s game.
The uncertainty surrounding Barkley's injury adds another layer of complexity to the Eagles' game plan as they prepare for a tough opponent in the Jaguars.
Fans and analysts alike are keeping a close eye on how the Eagles will adapt their offensive strategy in light of these injuries.
By the numbers: The Eagles’ rushing attack has taken a hit with the injuries to their top two running backs.
Barkley and Bigsby have accounted for a combined 64 carries in four games, which is over 80% of the team's total rushing attempts.
Shipley’s 15 carries represent a stark drop-off in experience and production, raising concerns about the Eagles’ ability to sustain their ground game.
What's next: The Eagles face a pressing need to solidify their running back depth ahead of the game against the Jaguars.
With only Shipley available, the team may look to promote one or more of their practice squad running backs ahead of Sunday.
As the Eagles prepare for their game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they will need to find a way to adapt their offensive strategy to compensate for the absence of their star players.
Whether Barkley can make a quick recovery remains uncertain, but the team is actively exploring all options to bolster their roster.