The Philadelphia Eagles are dealing with another round of injury concerns as they get ready to cross the Atlantic. Running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver DeVonta Smith were both held out of practice on Wednesday, each bothered by a hamstring problem, as the team prepares for Sunday’s meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
Two key offensive weapons sidelined
Neither player took part in the session, a development that adds to a growing list of banged-up Eagles. Barkley is the focal point of the team’s ground game, while Smith is one of its most dependable pass catchers. Having both unavailable at the same time, even in practice, raises obvious questions about how the offense could look in Week play overseas.
Smith’s situation looks the more serious of the two. He did not practice at all last week and was ruled out of the game against the Rams. Another missed day on Wednesday does little to suggest a quick return, and the early indications are that he could be absent for a stretch rather than just a single game. Barkley’s absence is newer, so there is less of a track record to judge how long his hamstring issue might linger. As is often the case with muscle injuries, the coming days of practice participation will be the clearest signal of whether either player can travel and suit up.
Why the timing matters
An international game adds logistical pressure to any injury report. Teams must decide who makes the trip, manage recovery time around travel, and plan for a game played far from home. For Philadelphia, a lengthy injury list heading into that kind of week makes depth across the offense even more important. If Barkley and Smith are limited or unavailable, the coaching staff will have to lean on other backs and receivers to carry the load against Jacksonville.
Official injury designations later in the week should provide more clarity. Until then, the Eagles will be monitoring both players closely and weighing the risk of rushing them back against the benefit of having them on the field.
Good news for Washington
Elsewhere in the league, there was a more encouraging update for the Washington Commanders. Quarterback Jayden Daniels appears to be moving toward his return for the season. Washington has not had its young passer available to start the year, so any sign that he is nearing a comeback is notable for a franchise that has built much of its outlook around him.
While the exact timeline was not detailed in the latest reports, the direction of travel is positive. A returning Daniels would give the Commanders a major lift on offense and could change the complexion of their schedule as the season moves along.
What to watch next
The next few practice reports will be central to both storylines. For the Eagles, the key questions are whether Barkley’s hamstring issue is minor and whether Smith is closer to a return than his recent absences suggest. For the Commanders, attention turns to whether Daniels takes further steps in practice and when the team formally clears him to play.
With the NFL season in full swing, injuries continue to shape the outlook for contenders and hopefuls alike, and Wednesday’s updates from Philadelphia and Washington illustrate how quickly those fortunes can shift in either direction.
Source: FOX Sports
