Eagles RB Saquon Barkley Misses Practice with Stinger Ahead of Crucial Week 16 Clash
The Philadelphia Eagles are heading into a pivotal Week 16 matchup with playoff implications hanging in the balance - and they might have to do it without their star running back. Saquon Barkley was listed as a non-participant in Tuesday’s practice due to a stinger, raising concerns about his availability for Saturday’s game against the Washington Commanders.
Right now, there’s no definitive word on the severity of the injury. But with two more practices left this week, there’s still a window for Barkley to get back on the field. The Eagles will be watching closely - and so will every fan in Philly - because Barkley’s presence in the backfield remains a major piece of this offense, even in a season that hasn’t quite matched the explosive heights of his 2024 breakout.
Last weekend, Barkley logged 22 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown in the Eagles’ dominant 31-0 win over the Raiders. It wasn’t the most efficient outing - he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry - but his physicality and ability to grind out tough yards still helped set the tone. That’s been the story of his 2025 campaign: not quite the jaw-dropping production of last year’s 2,005-yard, 13-touchdown season, but still a steady, reliable force in the Eagles’ ground game.
And make no mistake - even in a “down” year by his standards, Barkley is still the engine that makes this offense go when the weather turns cold and the games start to matter more. His ability to wear down defenses, pick up blitzes, and provide a safety valve in the passing game gives Philly flexibility that few backs in the league can offer.
That’s why his status is so critical heading into Saturday. The Eagles can punch their ticket to the playoffs with a win over the Commanders - a team that’s struggled to stop the run all season.
But even if they fall short, they’re not out of luck. A Cowboys loss to the Chargers or a tie in either team’s game would also secure Philadelphia a postseason berth.
Still, the Eagles would much rather control their own destiny - and they’ll want Barkley in uniform to help them do it. Whether he’s at full strength or not, his presence alone changes how defenses line up.
If he’s good to go, expect him to be leaned on heavily. If not, Philly’s depth will be tested at a critical moment in their season.
We’ll know more as the week progresses, but for now, the Eagles - and their fans - are holding their breath.