Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith miss Eagles practice Wednesday

Saquon Barkley did not practice Wednesday, Nov. 4, as the Philadelphia Eagles opened their week before Sunday's game against the New York Giants. The Eagles' official practice report listed Barkley as a non-participant with hamstring and back injuries, and Underdog NFL and ProFootballTalk both confirmed the absence.

Wide receivers DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) also sat out. ProFootballTalk says both are on track to miss a third straight game.

What is confirmed

Barkley, Smith and Wicks were all listed as did not practice on Wednesday's report. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell, defensive back Michael Carter, receiver Britain Covey and cornerback Jonathan Jones also missed practice. Tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) was a full participant.

Barkley has been managing these injuries for two weeks. He missed the first two practices last week, got limited work Friday and then played 22 snaps Sunday night against Washington. The week before, he played 10 snaps against Dallas.

What it means

The pattern matters more than one missed Wednesday. Barkley has played on Sunday after sitting early in the week, so this is not a reason to panic. It is a reason to doubt his workload. Ten and 22 snaps are backup numbers, and a back who sees that little work is hard to trust in a lineup no matter how much he costs against your cap.

The offense around him is also shaky. Philadelphia is turning to Joe Milton III at quarterback after Tanner McKee went 0-3 as the starter, and the team has played without Smith for two games. Thin receiver depth and a new quarterback make it harder for any Eagles skill player to put up big numbers.

What RSO owners should do now

If you roster Barkley, make sure you have a playable backup on your bench before Sunday and look at the Eagles' backfield depth on your waiver wire. Don't sell him cheaply off one practice report, but don't count on a full workload either. Smith owners should plan to be without him again.

What to watch next

Thursday's and Friday's reports are the tell. A limited session Friday would match last week's path to playing on Sunday. If Barkley stays out all week or lands on the report as doubtful, move him out of your lineup. For Smith and Wicks, any return to practice would be the first sign of a comeback.