Eagles' DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley have shot to return this week vs. Panthers
Indications are one, if not both, could be back for Philadelphia's Week 6 matchup with Carolina, though the team must see how the practice week goes
The Eagles' banged-up receiving corps and backfield could get reinforcements as soon as this week. Mike Garafolo reports that DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley both have a shot to return against the Panthers, though Philadelphia will need to see how the week of practice unfolds before making any final decisions.
Indications are one, if not both, DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley have a shot to return against the #Panthers, though the #Eagles have to see how the practice week goes.View on X →
Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo): Indications are one, if not both, DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley have a shot to return against the #Panthers, though the #Eagles have to see how the practice week goes.
Smith has been sidelined since aggravating a nagging hamstring issue, while Barkley has been out with a hamstring injury of his own that has kept him out since before the London trip. The Eagles felt their absence acutely in Sunday's 19-17 loss to the Jaguars, with Will Shipley also going down to a partial plantar fascia tear and Tank Bigsby already on IR. By the end of the game, Philadelphia was down to its third-string backfield options.
Getting either Smith or Barkley back would provide a major lift for a passing game that managed just 205 yards through the air in London. The Panthers have allowed the fifth-most passing yards in the league through five weeks, presenting a favorable matchup for whichever Eagles playmakers are available. Philadelphia will release its first injury report of Week 6 on Wednesday, which will offer the first official indication of where both players stand.