Saquon

Barkley

Mannion is expected to lean on run game coordinator and tight ends coach Ryan Mahaffey in installing a zone-blocking scheme reminiscent of the one used by the Shanahans and their acolytes over the decades. Eagles head coach Nick Sirriani said he expects Saquon Barkley — coming off a down 2025 season — to be “exceptional” in the team’s new rushing scheme. “He’s been highly productive in many of the schemes,” Sirianni said of Barkley, who had 28 rushes of more than ten yards in 2025 after having 46 such runs in 2024. The Eagles in 2025 used zone rushing concepts on 45 percent of their carries, the 13th lowest rate in the NFL. They were efficient with zone rushes, logging a 50 percent success rate, the tenth highest in the league.

After firing offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo following a mostly disastrous 2025 season, the Eagles should seek “a fresh set of eyes” to reevaluate the Philly offense and how it utilizes its skill position players, Murphy said. McDaniel, who designed and called plays for a Miami offense that ranked among the NFL’s most efficient from 2022 to 2024 — before the team’s 2025 collapse. Eagles players, including DeVonta Smith, said after the team’s Wild Card loss to the 49ers that the offensive scheme had not changed at all in recent years despite the Eagles shuffling through offensive coordinators. That suggests the problem lies with head coach Nick Sirianni. “Howie Roseman and Jeffrey Lurie pride themselves on being ahead of the curve. They’d rather be a year early than a year late,” Murphy said. “Right now, it is getting late early. McDaniel or not, they need a new voice, an inventive mind, and a fresh set of eyes. Anybody else will end up right where Patullo is. And that’s not fair to anybody.”

Coming off an historic 2024 season, Barkley was a 2025 mortal behind an Eagles’ offensive line that was nowhere near as good as we’ve grown accustomed to. He averaged 54 fewer rushing yards per game this season as he posted a replacement-level 4.1 yards per carry. Today was just his fourth 100-yard rushing effort of the year. Barkley did remain a net positive in terms of rush yards over expected, per NextGenStats. Although he is aging — 29 next month — Barkley could still easily “bounce back” next season if the Eagles’ blocking gets back closer to what we are used to seeing. He remains an RB1, if now more of a risk/reward option.

Johnson sustained a Lisfranc fracture in mid-November but could suit up for Wild Card Weekend, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane. “Johnson has made progress in his recovery, but still has to test his right foot before the team makes a decision on his availability for Sunday’s wild card game vs. the 49ers,” McLane said. The team’s offense fell apart with Johnson sidelined as they finished the season 3-4. The Eagles are now 18-28 in games Johnson hasn’t played during his 13-year NFL career. His presence would go a long way in helping the Philly offense find its footing in the postseason. He was officially limited on Wednesday.

The Eagles could climb as high as the No. 2 seed in the NFC with a victory and a Lions win over Chicago, and Garafolo believes they could beat Washington with some of their key starters resting for the postseason. That could include Jalen Hurts, which would mean Tanner McKee could see significant playing time against a Commanders defense being bludgeoned by opposing QBs. If Saquon Barkley sits, Tank Bigsby — who has been ultra efficient as an Eagle — could see a full workload against the Swiss cheese Washington run defense. It’s a situation to monitor for fantasy managers playing in Week 18 championships.

The Bills’ defense sold out to stop the run in the pouring rain, and they had defenders in the backfield multiple times throughout the game. Barkley looked healthy and ripped off a solid 16-yard run to the boundary at one point; however, there simply wasn’t a lot of running room for him this week. Things should be a bit easier next week against the Commanders if the Eagles play their starters, which they seem inclined to do with the two-seed on the line.

For the first time in 20 years, there’s a repeat winner of the AFC East. Barkley was as good as he’s been all year, and the stinger that bothered him earlier in the week didn’t appear to bother him in this contest. His long gain was an impressive 48-yarder that featured a disgusting spin move to avoid a tackle for loss, but he was able to consistently gash the Washington front in the Saturday win. Barkley will be back in action in Week 17 against the Bills with an extra day of rest.

He got in a full practice and will be good to go in a smash spot against the playing-out-the-string Commanders. Barkley will be a volume-based RB1 in this matchup. The Eagles did establish it fairly well against the Raiders last week with Jalen Hurts more involved in the running game.

Barkley missed Tuesday’s session because of the issue, raising some concern that he could miss Week 16 versus the Commanders. Even a limited practice today eases those worries for Eagles fans and fantasy managers alike. Barring a setback, Barkley is on track for an RB1 performance in the fantasy football semi-finals.

Barkley popped up with a new listing on the injury report, getting a DNP designation due to a stinger. It is unclear yet how serious the injury is, as stingers indicate some kind of head/shoulder nerve pain. He starts out the week with a DNP and practice reports later in the week will tell how serious the issue is. Should Barkley miss Week 16 against the Commanders, Tank Bigsby would be next man up. Bigsby was limited on Tuesday with an illness, but is still tracking to play on Saturday.