Eagles rule out Saquon Barkley against Panthers with hamstring injury

The Philadelphia Eagles ruled out running back Saquon Barkley on Friday for their game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday because of a hamstring injury. His absence leaves Philadelphia without a key offensive player as it tries to end a three-game losing streak.

Barkley has not played since hurting his hamstring in Week 4, according to theScore. Easy Sportz reported that he left the Eagles’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams after feeling discomfort. Neither report established when he might return.

How the Eagles’ backfield has changed

Philadelphia placed another running back, Will Shipley, on injured reserve Friday because of a partial plantar fascia tear, theScore reported. It identified Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele as the Eagles’ top remaining options at the position.

Easy Sportz reported that Pierce was expected to take on a larger workload, but that is an expectation rather than a confirmed assignment. NBC Sports also named practice squad player Jaydon Blue among the backs who could receive touches against Carolina.

McKee set to start in place of Hurts

The Eagles’ changes extend beyond the running game. Tanner McKee will start at quarterback against the Panthers in place of Jalen Hurts, who is out indefinitely with a superficial blood clot in his calf, according to theScore.

Philadelphia enters the weekend with a 2-3 record after three consecutive losses, Easy Sportz reported. The absences of Barkley and Hurts mean McKee is preparing to start with fewer of the Eagles’ usual offensive options available.

There is some better news for the receiving group. DeVonta Smith, who missed the previous two games with a hamstring injury, practiced fully Friday and had no injury designation on the Eagles’ latest report, according to theScore. Smith said he felt ready, though his playing status was up to the doctors, theScore reported, citing ESPN’s Tim McManus.