Barkley Rushes for 62 Yards and Touchdown in Nine-Snap Return Against Cowboys

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley returned from a two-week absence to record 62 rushing yards and a touchdown on Monday night. He played on nine offensive snaps in the team's 38-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Barkley touched the ball on every one of those plays.

His performance was efficient but limited by physical setbacks. Barkley tweaked his back on a 29-yard run in the first quarter. He said the pain got worse as the game went on. His final snap came in the third quarter. After scoring an 8-yard touchdown on the first possession, he went straight to a sideline exercise bike to manage the pain.

Before the game, Barkley was listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury. He told reporters that his hamstring felt good once he started playing. He did not think the new back issue would keep him out of upcoming games. He left the final decision to the medical staff.

Coach Nick Sirianni explained the decision to limit Barkley's workload. Sirianni said the team wanted to make sure the player's health was the top priority. He noted that Barkley wanted to play on every snap because of his toughness. The coaching staff had to slow him down to protect him.

Barkley is the first NFL starter in the last 20 seasons to play at least nine offensive snaps in a game and get a touch on all of them. He had 29 carries for 62 yards and two receptions for 9 yards in total. The touchdown came on his first carry of the game.

The Eagles are dealing with a depleted running back room. Will Shipley, Tank Bigsby, and Carson Steele are currently on injured reserve. Dameon Pierce left the game in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury. This left Elijah Mitchell, who was brought up from the practice squad, to handle the remaining rushing duties.

Barkley spent time in the medical tent during the game. He also stretched on the bench with trainers. He said he loves the game and tries to push his body to the limit when he can play. He admitted it is difficult not being able to perform for the team when his body does not respond as he wants.