The Eagles receive encouraging news ahead of their Cowboys matchup, while the Ravens monitor Lamar Jackson’s ankle injury and several NFL teams face important lineup decisions.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley returned to practice Thursday, October 22, raising hopes that he could play against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football. Meanwhile, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson continued working toward his return from an ankle injury as NFL teams prepared for Week 7 of the 2026 season.
Both players have missed significant time, leaving their teams to adjust their offenses. Several other notable players, including New York Jets running back Breece Hall and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, also appeared in the latest injury updates.
Saquon Barkley Returns Ahead of Eagles-Cowboys Rivalry
Barkley practiced Thursday for the first time since injuring his hamstring against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. He missed Philadelphia’s next two games, both losses, while the Eagles struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack.
The 29-year-old running back has carried the ball 36 times for 182 yards this season, an average of just over five yards per attempt. He also has four receptions for eight yards. Before his injury, Barkley had not scored a rushing touchdown in 2026.
Philadelphia entered Week 7 with a 2-4 record and a four-game losing streak. The offense ranked near the bottom of the NFL in several statistical categories, including rushing production.
The Eagles have also dealt with injuries to other running backs. Tank Bigsby underwent core muscle surgery and was placed on injured reserve, while Will Shipley suffered a foot injury that also sent him to injured reserve.
Barkley’s possible return would give Philadelphia an experienced option against a Dallas defense that has struggled to contain opposing running games. However, his participation Thursday did not guarantee that he would be available Monday.
Head coach Nick Sirianni said the team would continue evaluating Barkley throughout the week. Barkley also expressed optimism about returning but stopped short of confirming that he would play.
The Eagles host the Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday, October 26, at 8:15 p.m. Eastern. The game carries added importance because both NFC East teams entered the week with identical 2-4 records.
Lamar Jackson Makes Progress With Ankle Injury
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson participated in limited practice Thursday, marking another encouraging step in his recovery from an ankle injury.
Jackson was hurt during Baltimore’s October 4 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. He subsequently missed two games, leaving backup quarterback Tyler Huntley to lead the Ravens’ offense.
The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player returned to limited team practice Wednesday. He was not present at the beginning of that session but participated later in the workout.
Thursday brought another improvement. Jackson appeared on the practice field at the beginning of the session, wearing his uniform and taking part in individual quarterback drills.
The Ravens continued to list him as a limited participant, meaning he had not yet returned to a full practice workload. His availability for Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals remained uncertain.
Baltimore head coach Jesse Minter said the team would evaluate Jackson’s progress each day rather than commit to a return date. The Ravens have also prepared Huntley to play if Jackson cannot start.
Jackson has thrown six touchdown passes and one interception this season. He has also contributed a rushing touchdown, making his mobility an important part of Baltimore’s offense.
The Ravens entered Week 7 with a 4-2 record and were preparing to host Cincinnati on Sunday, October 25. Jackson’s ability to move comfortably and protect himself remained an important consideration before the team made its final quarterback decision.
Breece Hall and Baker Mayfield Among Other Players Monitored
New York Jets running back Breece Hall was another notable player on the injury report. Hall missed practice Thursday while dealing with a quadriceps issue that had affected his availability during the preceding week.
The Jets were preparing to face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Hall’s practice status was an important development for an offense that relies on his ability to produce yards as both a runner and receiver.
In Tampa Bay, quarterback Baker Mayfield participated fully in Thursday’s practice, providing a more encouraging update for the Buccaneers. Mayfield had been dealing with a thumb issue, but his full participation suggested he was able to handle the team’s scheduled workload.
Tampa Bay was preparing for a road game against the Carolina Panthers. The Buccaneers also listed several other players on their injury report, including running back Bucky Irving and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, who did not practice Thursday.
Steelers and Saints Face Additional Injury Concerns
The Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints also had several players dealing with injuries ahead of their Week 7 meeting.
Pittsburgh listed defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and defensive end Sebastian Joseph-Day among the players who did not participate in Thursday’s practice. Linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith were limited participants, leaving the coaching staff to evaluate their progress.
New Orleans reported limited practice participation for running back Alvin Kamara. Offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux did not participate, while several other Saints players continued working through their own injury concerns.
The two teams were scheduled to meet Sunday morning in an international game, making their preparations especially important because of the travel and shortened recovery arrangements.
Final Injury Reports Will Determine Week 7 Availability
A return to practice does not necessarily mean a player has been cleared for game action. NFL injury reports distinguish between full participation, limited participation and no participation, while final game designations provide a clearer picture of availability.
Players listed as questionable may still play, depending on their condition and the team’s decision. Others can be ruled out before kickoff if medical evaluations show they are not ready.
For Philadelphia, the biggest remaining question was whether Barkley could complete another practice without a setback before Monday’s divisional game. Baltimore faced a similar decision with Jackson, whose return could significantly affect the Ravens’ preparation against Cincinnati.
Teams playing Sunday were expected to finalize their injury designations Friday, while Philadelphia and Dallas had additional time before their Monday night matchup.
IMAGE: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens quarterback, interacts with service members after practice at Ravens Training Camp Facility in Owings Mills, Md., July 30, 2018. Photo: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Delano Scott / Wikimedia, taken 2018-07-30, Public domain