Story perspectives

Eagles hope Barkley, Smith cleared for Panthers game

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 2:16 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Sirianni Hopes Barkley Return

Coach Nick Sirianni hopes Saquon Barkley and Jordan Smith will be cleared for the Panthers game.
Wednesday is the Eagles’ first Week 6 practice, which could aid Barkley’s return.
Running back depth now relies on Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele after injuries to Barkley and Tank Bigsby.
Tight end Dallas Goedert is slated to return for Philadelphia in Week 5.

Summary

Johnson Retires

Lane Johnson announced retirement after four games, citing deteriorating mental health.
The Eagles traded center Cam Jurgens to the Baltimore Ravens for a second-round draft pick.
Head coach Nick Sirianni admitted his kickoff decision cost the team the London win.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts posted a career-low 3.0 yards per dropback in the loss to Jacksonville.
The Eagles’ offense recorded zero third-down conversions in Week 4, highlighting systemic struggles.

Summary

Eagles Deploy Linemen

The Eagles will start undrafted linemen Willie Lampkin at left guard and Jake Majors at center in London.
Markel Bell makes his second career start at right tackle, filling Lane Johnson’s vacancy.
Fred Johnson is cleared to play after missing two games, adding depth to the line.
Despite five starters ruled out, the Eagles travel to London aiming to stay competitive.

History

Historical Context

In 2008, the Philadelphia Eagles, led by head coach Andy Reid, posted a 13-3 regular-season record before losing Super Bowl XLII. That campaign featured running back Brian Westbrook missing three games due to a hamstring injury, yet the team amassed 5,800 rushing yards overall. Similarly, the 2024 Eagles grapple with injuries to Saquon Barkley, Lane Johnson and Jalen Hurts, forcing undrafted linemen like Willie Lampkin to start in London. The recurring depth crisis underscores how injury-driven roster churn can erode offensive consistency, prompting future drafts to prioritize versatile backs and resilient linemen.

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Sirianni Hopes Barkley Return

Coach Nick Sirianni hopes Saquon Barkley and Jordan Smith will be cleared for the Panthers game.
Wednesday is the Eagles’ first Week 6 practice, which could aid Barkley’s return.
Running back depth now relies on Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele after injuries to Barkley and Tank Bigsby.
Tight end Dallas Goedert is slated to return for Philadelphia in Week 5.

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