The Dallas Cowboys are traveling to play the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football to close out Week 7. This game is huge for both sides, as each club sits at 2-4 this year.
The seat for Brian Schottenheimer continues to get warmer, and the update on Eagles running back Saquon Barkley won't make him feel better. NFL Network and ESPN's Mike Garafolo revealed that Barkley is going to practice on Thursday and appears ready to play against the Dallas Cowboys.
The return of Barkley makes things more difficult for the Cowboys' defense and will make their path to victory bumpier.
This is as must-win a game as it gets for Brian Schottenheimer. Barkley's return won't tip the scales that much -- the Eagles are that bad right now -- but it's noteworthy nonetheless given the caliber of player he is.
Saquon Barkley returning from injury ahead of Cowboys' must-win game vs. Eagles
Barkley hurt his hamstring on Oct. 4 against the Los Angeles Rams, which led to him missing the next two games. Not only was Barkley sidelined, but the Eagles' backfield as a whole took a hit. Tank Bigsby (abdomen) and Will Shipley (foot) were placed on IR, putting the workload on Dameon Pierce.
That didn't work out in the Eagles' favor, as they logged 57 rushing yards versus the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers. Their run game was a complete non-factor, yet that could change with Barkley in the mix.
Even though he hasn't had the impact that was expected of him thus far, he still has two games with 80-plus rushing yards on the year. Barkley's presence alone will force Dallas' defense to lock in on him, which could open up a passing attack now led by Tanner McKee.
It doesn't help that the Cowboys are struggling to slow down the run. And that could make fans feel a little bit nervous rolling into the game.
Saquon Barkley's return could spell trouble for Cowboys defense
Going into Week 7, the Cowboys rank 32nd in the NFL in run defense (149.8), tied for 28th in yards per carry (4.7), and tied for 29th in rushing touchdowns allowed (seven). Those numbers won't make anyone feel good, especially since Barkley is a player who is dynamic with the ball in his hands.
Barkley has also played a lot of football against Dallas, with both the Giants and the Eagles. Across 14 games versus the Cowboys, he has tallied 896 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, and 4.6 yards per carry.
The Cowboys are favored in this game, as they are healthier than their rival. Philly is starting their QB2, and their offense has been lackluster throughout the entire season. Schotty and Dallas can't afford to lose to the Eagles. Especially not THIS version of Philly.
When Pierce was leading the charge in the backfield, he didn't do much. Against the Jags, he had 11 carries for 14 yards (1.3 yards per carry). He followed up that performance with 12 carries for 35 yards (2.9 yards per carry).
Pierce couldn't get anything going on the road, and if Barkley didn't suit up, he would have been the lead back again due to all the injuries they are facing. Yet, instead, the Cowboys should start preparing to see Barkley.
This is a must-win game for the Cowboys. They need to take care of business against a rival at home, in prime time, to improve to 3-4. If they lose to Philadelphia and Barkley torches them on the ground, the seat for Schotty will be scorching hot. Barkley's return makes the job harder, but they must rise to the occasion and handle business to get back into the win column.
If not, things will get real spooky down in Dallas.
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