Saquon Barkley’s second season with the Philadelphia Eagles is off to a strong, if slightly uneven, start. Through the first few weeks, his workload has fluctuated, and now, a new injury concern has Eagles fans and fantasy owners keeping a close watch.
With a short turnaround before Week 6, all eyes are on Barkley’s recovery and whether he’ll be ready to play.
What Happened to Saquon Barkley?
Barkley appeared on the team’s injury report early this week with knee soreness, which caused him to sit out Monday’s walkthrough session. The Eagles classified him as a non-participant, but reports suggest the move was mostly precautionary.
He played through minor discomfort in Week 5, though his usage dipped, carrying the ball only six times for 30 yards while contributing more as a receiver. The soreness is being monitored closely by the medical staff, especially with the Eagles scheduled for a Thursday night matchup.
It’s not believed to be a structural issue or a long-term concern, but the short recovery window makes it a situation worth tracking. The team is expected to evaluate Barkley during practice leading up to the game before making any final call on his status.
Is Saquon Barkley Playing This Week?
As of now, signs point toward Barkley being available for Week 6, though the Eagles may limit his workload. Coaches are expected to manage his snaps to reduce strain on the knee, particularly with a deep group of backups like A.J. Dillon and Will Shipley ready to spell him if needed.
The team’s decision will likely come down to how Barkley responds in the final practice sessions. If there’s any swelling or stiffness, the Eagles could play it safe, especially since they’re thinking long-term with their star back.
However, barring a setback, he’s expected to be active on Thursday night and maintain his usual starting role, just perhaps with a lighter touch count.
Saquon Barkley Fantasy Outlook
For fantasy managers, Barkley’s situation is one to handle carefully but not panic over. He remains a must-start RB1 when active, given his ability to impact both the ground and passing game. Even when his carries are limited, the Eagles often find ways to get him the ball in open space.
If he plays, expect slightly reduced rushing volume but steady receiving work. A realistic projection would be around 12–15 touches, including several targets through the air. His explosiveness and red-zone presence always give him touchdown upside, even in limited snaps.
For now, Barkley’s knee issue doesn’t appear serious enough to derail his season. As long as he avoids setbacks, fantasy managers can continue to rely on him as one of the most dependable backs in football.
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