Saquon Barkley expected to return from his hamstring injury and play for the Eagles against the Cowboys on Monday

Saquon Barkley is expected to return to practice Thursday and play for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night, according to reports. The star running back has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.

Barkley got hurt early in the first quarter of a Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He has 36 carries for 182 yards, an average of 5.1 yards per attempt, in four games this season.

His return could not come at a better time for Philadelphia. The Eagles are playing without quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is out for the season with blood clots in his lungs.

Down to the fourth string

With Barkley, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley all hurt, the Eagles were down to fourth-string running back Dameon Pierce in last week's game against the Carolina Panthers. Bigsby (abdomen) and Shipley (foot) remain on injured reserve.

Philadelphia ranks 29th in the league in rushing at 82.2 yards per game. The offensive line has also been missing three of its five original starters: Lane Johnson retired, Cam Jurgens was traded and Landon Dickerson is out with a knee injury.

Injuries on defense too

The Eagles are banged up on the edge as well. Nolan Smith is in concussion protocol while Jalyx Hunt (knee and ankle) and Jonathan Greenard (ankle) are working back. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said he was hopeful Greenard could play against Dallas and called it "possible" that Hunt plays depending on how practice goes.

Up next

The Eagles host the Cowboys on Monday night in a key NFC East game.