The Philadelphia Eagles have lost four straight, and at 2-4, they're entering a make-or-break stretch of their 2026 season, with three division games looming before their bye week.
A healthy Saquon Barkley could be the difference between salvaging the season and watching it become a complete flop, making his status the biggest question heading into Monday night's showdown against the Dallas Cowboys.
So, when will Saquon Barkley return?
Let's assess his outlook and first look at the Monday Night Football odds ahead of their Week 7 matchup on Oct. 26, the next game Barkley could miss.
Cowboys vs. Eagles odds
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Cowboys
When will Saquon Barkley return?
Saquon Barkley appears set to return Monday night against Dallas, though nothing is official yet.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Barkley was expected to practice on Thursday and is on track to play in Week 7. A strained hamstring has sidelined him since Oct. 4, forcing him to miss two games (both losses).
The superstar running back's return couldn't come at a better time, as the Philadelphia Eagles' backfield is battered, to say the least. Both Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley are currently on IR, which left Dameon Pierce to handle the lead role last week.
Philly's ground game has been virtually nonexistent this season, ranking 29th in the league at just 82.2 rushing yards per contest. With Jalen Hurts now out for the year, the Eagles desperately need Barkley back to ease the burden on backup QB Tanner McKee.
Saquon Barkley injury history
| Date | Team | Injury | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 19, 2015 |
 PSU |
Ankle sprain | Oct. 17, 2015 Missed 2 games |
| Sept. 22, 2019 |
 NYG |
High ankle sprain (Grade 2) | Oct. 20, 2019 Missed 3 games |
| Sept. 20, 2020 |
NYG |
Right knee torn ACL / MCL sprain | Sept. 12, 2021 Missed final 14 games of 2020 |
| Oct. 10, 2021 |
NYG |
Left low ankle sprain | Nov. 22, 2021 Missed 4 games |
| Sept. 17, 2023 |
NYG |
Right high ankle sprain | Oct. 15, 2023 Missed 3 games |
| Oct. 22, 2023 |
NYG |
Left elbow hyperextension | Oct. 29, 2023 Wore brace; no starts missed |
| Oct. 4, 2026 |
 PHI |
Hamstring strain | Questionable for Week 7 Missed Weeks 5 and 6 |
Who will start at running back if Saquon Barkley is OUT in Week 7?
If Barkley can't go on MNF, Pierce will once again take over as RB1.
The former fourth-round pick out of Florida spent three seasons with Houston before a stint in Kansas City last year. His best campaign came as a rookie in 2022, when he nearly reached 1,000 rushing yards while making 13 starts as the Texans' lead back.
Pierce rushed for just 35 yards on 12 attempts last week, but whoever gets reps in Philly's backfield will benefit from facing a Dallas Cowboys defense allowing a league-worst 149.8 rushing yards per game.
Saquon Barkley injury: Odds impact
As of Thursday evening, the Eagles hold a 36% implied win probability on Kalshi, and they are currently trading as 3.5-point underdogs in the latest NFL Week 7 odds.
If Barkley indeed suits up, our Covers prop projections see significant value in the three-time Pro Bowler clearing his receiving yards Over, with our model projecting 17.59 yards and a 22.98% EV, given Philadelphia's expected pass-heavy game script while trailing.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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