Saquon Barkley is on track to suit up for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night against the Washington Commanders, but that doesn’t mean fantasy managers should breathe easy.
The Eagles got Barkley back on the field last week after a two-game absence, yet his return came with clear limitations. He was on the injury report again this week with hamstring and back issues, sitting out Wednesday and Thursday before getting in a limited practice on Friday. Philadelphia then removed him from the final injury report, setting him up to play in Week 8.
Even so, the workload questions are obvious. Barkley logged only 10 snaps in last week’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys, though he still managed 71 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. That kind of production can save a fantasy line, but it also shows how quickly his value can swing if the injuries keep affecting his usage.
After Friday’s practice, Barkley said he felt good enough to return, while also stressing the importance of listening to the medical staff and being smart with his recovery.
For fantasy purposes, Barkley belongs in lineups if you don’t have a better option. But this is not the kind of week where you can count on his usual volume.
The touchdown helped last week, yet banking on another one would be a gamble. If you have a stronger and steadier running back available, that’s worth a hard look before kickoff.
Verdict: Start Barkley if you do not have a stronger option. His health and potential workload make him a less dependable fantasy option this week.
In Other News...
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Shy Tuttle was one of the more encouraging signs on the field, especially with the defensive line thinned by injuries. He was asked to handle a much bigger workload and responded with his most impactful showing since arriving in Washington, a reminder that the Commanders may need more of that kind of depth and resilience if they are going to turn one good night into something more lasting. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Mock Draft Hints At A Roster Reset Fans May Not Want
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That uncertainty is what makes the latest mock draft feel less like a far-off exercise and more like a snapshot of where this roster could be headed. The projection points to a major need along the front and suggests Washington may be preparing for a reset that would force some hard decisions about the edge group and how much of it can realistically be brought back. [Read more 🡒]