The Philadelphia Eagles received encouraging news Thursday as running back Saquon Barkley returned to practice, but the team still faces significant injury concerns ahead of Sunday's Week 9 matchup against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field.

Barkley was listed as a limited participant after missing Wednesday's practice with hamstring and back injuries. His return is an encouraging development for Philadelphia's struggling offense, though his availability for Sunday will depend on how he progresses through the rest of the week. The Eagles had six players who did not participate Thursday, including wide receiver DeVonta Smith, while five others were limited and eight participated fully.

Philadelphia enters Sunday's game at 2-6 and on a six-game losing streak, making the health of several key contributors especially important before the team's Week 10 bye.

Saquon Barkley returns, DeVonta Smith remains sidelined

Barkley's limited participation was the most encouraging development on Thursday's injury report after the veteran running back sat out Wednesday's session. Barkley has been dealing with hamstring and back injuries, creating uncertainty surrounding his availability against his former team. The Eagles will need their rushing attack to become more productive as they prepare to start Joe Milton at quarterback following Tanner McKee's struggles. Having Barkley available would give Philadelphia an experienced playmaker who can help take pressure off its new starting quarterback.

Smith, however, remained sidelined with a hamstring injury for the second consecutive practice. Wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks also missed another session with an ankle injury, raising concerns about Philadelphia's receiving depth.

Linebacker Jihaad Campbell (hamstring/quad), defensive back Michael Carter II (abdomen), Britain Covey (knee) and cornerback Jonathan Jones (hamstring) rounded out the six players who did not participate.

Tanner McKee among five limited participants

McKee was a limited participant Thursday with a rib injury after being listed as a full participant Wednesday with a chest injury. The change in participation and injury designation is worth monitoring as Philadelphia prepares its quarterback depth chart for Sunday's matchup. Kicker Jake Elliott (right ankle), outside linebackers Jonathan Greenard (ankle) and Jalyx Hunt (knee/ankle), and Barkley were the other limited participants.

The Eagles received better news elsewhere, with linebacker Zack Baun (shoulder), offensive tackle Markel Bell (finger), defensive tackle Jordan Davis (thumb), guard Landon Dickerson (hip), tight end Dallas Goedert (knee), tackle Jordan Mailata (elbow), defensive back Kenny Moore II (glute) and defensive tackle Moro Ojomo (neck) all participating fully.

The returns of several key contributors provide some encouragement for a Philadelphia team attempting to stabilize its lineup before Sunday. The Eagles will hold their final practice of the week Friday before releasing official game-status designations for their matchup against the Giants.