si
The Philadelphia Eagles are poised to welcome back a key offensive weapon for their Week 7 Monday Night Football matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Star running back Saquon Barkley, who has been sidelined for two consecutive games with a hamstring injury, returned to practice and is expected to play, assuming no setbacks occur.
However, Barkley's return doesn't mean the Eagles will be at full strength. Several other players are likely to be inactive for the team's seventh game of the season.
Michael Carter II, Safety
Carter II sustained an abdominal injury in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, which forced him out of the remainder of that game. He then missed Philadelphia's Week 6 loss to the Carolina Panthers and was also absent from the first practice of the week leading up to the Dallas game. Unless he makes a rapid recovery, Carter appears headed for a second straight absence.
Nolan Smith, Linebacker
Smith recorded his third sack of the season in the first half against Carolina last weekend but exited shortly after with a concussion and did not return. He was placed in the league's concussion protocol and must clear it before being cleared to play. His status remains uncertain, and he did not participate in the first practice of the week.
Landon Dickerson, Guard
Dickerson has been sidelined for five consecutive games after being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury following the season opener. The Eagles opened his practice window last week, but he did not play in Week 6. Now, he is also dealing with a pectoral injury in addition to the knee issue, making his Week 7 availability unclear.
Joe Milton, Quarterback
Milton, who was signed by the team last week, is still learning Philadelphia's playbook and is unlikely to be active against his former team. The Eagles are not expected to carry three quarterbacks on the active roster, so Milton will likely be the odd man out. With Tanner McKee as the starter and Cole Payton as the backup, Milton was slated to serve as the emergency third quarterback, as he did in Week 6.
Hollywood Brown, Wide Receiver
The Hollywood Brown experiment has not panned out well in Philadelphia. The speedy receiver has appeared in only one game this season and has yet to register a catch. He missed several games due to an ankle injury but was a healthy scratch in Week 6. He could find himself in a similar situation in Week 7.
Key Analysis
The Eagles' depth will be tested as they face a division rival on Monday night. While Barkley's return provides a significant boost, the potential absences of Carter, Smith, Dickerson, Milton, and Brown could impact both sides of the ball. The team will need contributions from backups to secure a crucial NFC East victory.