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Eagles Snap Counts Show Elijah Mitchell Leading the Backfield While Saquon Barkley Plays Hurt
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- Eagles Snap Counts Show Elijah Mitchell Leading the Backfield While Saquon Barkley Plays Hurt
Philadelphia fans got a look at a new backfield pecking order Sunday night. Elijah Mitchell played 39 offensive snaps in the Eagles' 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders, while Saquon Barkley, who spent the week battling back and hamstring injuries , played 22, according to PFF.
Barkley was on a pitch count as he manages those injuries, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported . With Dameon Pierce landing on injured reserve last week, Mitchell is the back to watch for as long as Barkley's workload stays capped.
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Mitchell handled the bulk of backfield snaps
Nov 1, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates with quarterback Tanner McKee (16) after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Mitchell ran 11 times for a team-high 34 yards. Barkley had 13 carries for 30 yards, scored on a 3-yard direct snap and caught a 24-yard wheel route. Mitchell was on the field for 20 pass plays, according to PFF. Jaydon Blue took eight snaps, all on pass plays.
Tanner McKee played every snap in his third start in place of Jalen Hurts, who is on injured reserve with a blood clot in his calf. McKee went 23 of 34 for 212 yards with no touchdown passes and an interception, and he was sacked five times, including a third-quarter strip sack.
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With DeVonta Smith among five players ruled out , Darius Cooper (66 snaps) and rookie Makai Lemon (65) barely left the field. Dallas Goedert played 55 snaps, and rookie tight end Eli Stowers got 13.
Andrew Mukuba led the defense's best moments
Nov 1, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba (24) defends against a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks (13) during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Andrew Mukuba played 59 of 60 defensive snaps and finished with an 87.7 grade, the best on the defense, according to PFF. He made seven tackles and forced the fumble Zack Baun recovered at the Washington 26, the Eagles' first fumble recovery of the season. He also allowed three catches for 51 yards on four targets.
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Jalen Carter, who made a curious admission about expectations last week, had three pressures, four stops and his first sack since Week 5 on 49 snaps. Nolan Smith Jr. matched him with three pressures and a sack on 47 snaps.
A week after the defense hit a low point against Dallas, the edge rotation was spread out. Jonathan Greenard started but played 28 snaps, with Arnold Ebiketie (24) and Jalyx Hunt (21) mixing in. Quinyon Mitchell played every snap and allowed three catches for 65 yards on five targets, according to PFF.
Eagles Week 8 snap counts vs. Commanders
Nov 1, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) and linebacker Jonathan Greenard (52) sack Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the second half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Snap counts and percentages are according to PFF. Philadelphia ran 69 offensive snaps, while its defense was on the field for 60 against Washington.
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Offense (69 snaps)
| Player |
Pos. |
Snaps (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Mailata |
LT |
69 (100%) |
| Landon Dickerson |
LG |
69 (100%) |
| Drew Kendall |
C |
69 (100%) |
| Tyler Steen |
RG |
69 (100%) |
| Tanner McKee |
QB |
69 (100%) |
| Markel Bell |
RT |
69 (100%) |
| Darius Cooper |
WR |
66 (96%) |
| Makai Lemon |
WR |
65 (94%) |
| Dallas Goedert |
TE |
55 (80%) |
| Elijah Mitchell |
RB |
39 (57%) |
| Marquise Brown |
WR |
32 (46%) |
| Saquon Barkley |
RB |
22 (32%) |
| Elijah Moore |
WR |
18 (26%) |
| Johnny Mundt |
TE |
13 (19%) |
| Eli Stowers |
TE |
13 (19%) |
| Grant Calcaterra |
TE |
12 (17%) |
| Jaydon Blue |
RB |
8 (12%) |
| Willie Lampkin |
LG |
1 (1%) |
| Fred Johnson |
RG |
1 (1%) |
Defense (60 snaps)
| Player |
Pos. |
Snaps (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Zack Baun |
LB |
60 (100%) |
| Cooper DeJean |
S |
60 (100%) |
| Quinyon Mitchell |
CB |
60 (100%) |
| Andrew Mukuba |
S |
59 (98%) |
| Tariq Woolen |
CB |
58 (97%) |
| Jeremiah Trotter Jr. |
LB |
54 (90%) |
| Jalen Carter |
DL |
49 (82%) |
| Nolan Smith Jr. |
EDGE |
47 (78%) |
| Jordan Davis |
DL |
37 (62%) |
| Moro Ojomo |
DL |
36 (60%) |
| Kenny Moore II |
CB |
29 (48%) |
| Jonathan Greenard |
EDGE |
28 (47%) |
| Arnold Ebiketie |
EDGE |
24 (40%) |
| Jalyx Hunt |
EDGE |
21 (35%) |
| Byron Young |
DL |
15 (25%) |
| Marcus Epps |
S |
13 (22%) |
| Ty Robinson |
DL |
9 (15%) |
| Michael Carter II |
S |
1 (2%) |
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
