Eagles' Saquon Barkley Week-to-Week, Tank Bigsby to IR in Backfield Crisis

The Philadelphia Eagles’ 24-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday was painful enough, but the aftershocks have turned into a full-blown backfield crisis. Star running back Saquon Barkley is considered “week-to-week” with a hamstring injury, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, while backup Tank Bigsby is headed to injured reserve after undergoing core muscle surgery. The news, first reported Monday and confirmed by multiple outlets, leaves the Eagles scrambling as they prepare for a Week 6 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Sunday. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk understands it, Barkley’s injury is not expected to require surgery, but his availability for the London trip is highly doubtful.

A Backfield in Ruins

Barkley exited in the first quarter against the Rams after a 6-yard run, visibly hobbling along the sideline. Unlike Week 2, when he returned from a mid-game stinger against the Tennessee Titans, he did not re-enter the game. Bigsby, who had been thrust into a larger role, also suffered a setback in the defeat. According to reports, he is expected to miss up to six weeks, though the Eagles are hopeful he can return sooner. With both running backs sidelined, the onus now falls on Will Shipley, the 2024 fourth-round pick from Clemson. Shipley managed just 23 yards on six carries against the Rams, and he is currently the only healthy running back on the active roster.

Practice Squad Options and Lingering Injuries

Philadelphia’s depth chart is razor-thin. The practice squad offers three potential reinforcements: Jaydon Blue, Dameon Pierce, and Carson Steele. Blue, a 2025 Dallas Cowboys practice squad member, showed flashes with 129 yards on 38 carries in five games last season. Pierce, a former 939-yard rookie with the Houston Texans in 2022, has seen his role diminish in recent years. Steele made three starts for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 and totaled 183 yards on 56 carries. None are proven commodities, but the Eagles may have no choice but to elevate one or more for the London game. The team is already missing wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring), tight end Dallas Goedert (knee), linebacker Zack Baun (concussion), and right tackle Lane Johnson (personal reasons).

“We’ll see,” head coach Nick Sirianni said Monday when asked about Barkley’s status. “These guys are going through different things with treatment and all those different things — we’ll see how everything responds and then have more answers for you probably Wednesday on that stuff. I know he’ll do everything he can do to get himself back. Obviously, he’s a great player and a great teammate, and we always need him on the field.”

Sirianni’s uncertainty underscores the gravity of the situation. Barkley, a three-time Pro Bowler, has been the engine of Philadelphia’s offense since signing with the team. His absence would force offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to lean heavily on the passing game, putting more pressure on quarterback Jalen Hurts and a receiving corps already missing Smith. The Eagles acquired Bigsby from Jacksonville last season for a pair of 2026 draft picks, and he had been a reliable change-of-pace back, rushing for 435 yards and three touchdowns in 20 games. His loss further depletes a unit that now lacks experience and explosiveness.

What’s Next for the Eagles?

As highlighted on Vulius, the Eagles’ immediate focus will be on getting Barkley healthy and identifying a viable starter for Sunday. Shipley will likely get the first crack, but the coaching staff could also mix in practice squad call-ups. The Jaguars, who boast a stout run defense, will undoubtedly test Philadelphia’s makeshift backfield. With the NFC East race heating up, every game matters. The Eagles cannot afford to drop another conference matchup, especially with Barkley’s status clouded in uncertainty. For now, fans can only wait and hope that Barkley’s hamstring responds to treatment. The team is expected to provide a more definitive update by Wednesday.