Saquon Barkley is down. Again. The Eagles’ star running back pulled up with a hamstring injury during the game against the Rams, and now he’s questionable to return. For fantasy managers who’ve been pulling their hair out all season, this is the latest gut punch from a player considered one of the best in the league, but whose performance has left them totally dissatisfied.
The Barkley Problem Is Getting Hard to Ignore
This isn’t just about one game, either. Barkley hasn’t cracked double-digit fantasy points *all season*. His highest totals? A measly 9.0 points against both Washington and Chicago. Seriously? For a guy with his reputation, that’s just not cutting it. And now, heading into a Week 5 matchup against the Jaguars, his status is going to be the biggest question mark hanging over Philly. Is he droppable? The word is “not yet,” but folks are watching this one close.
Next Men Up and Hurts’ New Role
So, who picks up the slack if Barkley’s out? Tank Bigsby, for sure. This dude’s about to get a big workload. Remember Week 2? Barkley left early in that one, and Bigsby went off for 11.8 fantasy points. He had a low-volume game in Week 3, but that was when Barkley and Shipley split the snap share more. If Barkley misses Week 5 and beyond, Bigsby instantly becomes a low-end flex option. Then you’ve got Will Shipley, the third running back. He’s not exactly a fantasy goldmine, with better options out there, but Barkley’s injury means he’s definitely figuring more into the Eagles offense. He’ll get his chances to take the field.
And what about Jalen Hurts? He hasn’t been the fantasy juggernaut he was in past seasons, but his ceiling is still sky-high. Now, with Barkley hurt, Hurts is gonna keep the ball more, using those legs for the Eagles’ offense. Especially since his top receiver, DeVonta Smith, is also injured. Hurts will be looking to Makai Lemon and Dontayvion Wicks in the air, who’ve both been reliable targets for him this season.
Bottom line? If Barkley misses time, Tank Bigsby’s got some real upside as a flex play, taking over those backfield duties. Jalen Hurts is still a must-start QB, especially with his running ability suddenly even more crucial. He’ll be hitting Lemon and Wicks hard, trying to make up for Barkley’s usual explosive plays. Get ready for a different look next week against the Jaguars, because the Eagles’ offense just took a big hit.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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