Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley said his right hamstring came out of Week 7 feeling great despite playing just nine snaps before exiting with back tightness.
Barkley entered Monday night's game against the Cowboys listed as questionable after missing the previous two games with a right hamstring strain.
He recorded nine touches on nine snaps, finishing with 62 rushing yards, nine receiving yards and a touchdown. However, Barkley appeared increasingly hobbled as the game progressed and was eventually listed as questionable to return with a back injury.
Despite fellow running back Dameon Pierce also suffering an injury, Barkley did not return.
"It's kind of the school of thought I come from: I truly love this game, and I feel like if you're able to go, sometimes you've got to push your body to the limit," Barkley said. "I'm trying, it's just not responding the way I want it to respond right now. It sucks because I'm trying to be the best leader I can be, and it's hard when you're not able to be out there and perform for your team."
Pro Football Doc's Saquon Barkley Injury Analysis
According to Pro Football Doc, Barkley's hamstring was clearly not 100%, despite Barkley saying it felt great after the game. His visible limp, time on the stationary bike and use of heating pads suggest the hamstring was still bothering him rather than his early exit being caused solely by back tightness.
Barkley recorded nine touches on nine snaps, indicating he wanted to play but remained hampered by the injury. Pro Football Doc believes Barkley saying the hamstring "came out great" likely means he did not aggravate it further, which is encouraging, but does not mean he was fully healthy.
