Saquon Barkley has been quite effective when on the field in 2026, averaging 5.7 yards per rushing attempt, but two big questions have defined his season thus far. Can he stay healthy? Will he be traded before the Nov. 10 trade deadline? Fans got an answer to the second one, as it was reported that the Philadelphia Eagles do not intend to move their star running back in the next week and a half. Health will continue to be a concern, however.

Barkley has logged a modest 43 carries in five games, posting 10-plus only twice in that span. Whether it is the neck, back or hamstring, the 2024 Offensive Player of the Year has been unable to occupy a workhorse role for this team. He only got in one limited practice in preparation for Sunday night's divisional matchup versus the Washington Commanders, so Philly may want to temper its expectations.

The Super Bowl 59 champion is available, though. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni will take what he can get. Jalen Hurts is done for the year with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. Wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks are both inactive for the Commanders game. Barkley is extremely important, even if he is not operating at full capacity.

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Philadelphia (2-5) is just looking to survive right now, and given the state of the NFC East, that might be enough. Washington (1-4-1) is navigating its own offensive limitations following Terry McLaurin's season-ending knee injury, so fans may have to prepare themselves for a low-scoring, hard-hitting defensive battle in Northwest Stadium.

Saquon Barkley will do his best to keep the points and yards flowing for the Eagles. Hopefully, his body will allow him to stick with that mission for the entire game.