Injury-plagued Eagles host Cowboys: A messy Week 7 matchup

The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Monday, October 26, at 8:15 p.m. ET. The contest marks the Week 7 edition of Monday Night Football and pits two division rivals against each other at a difficult moment. Both teams are searching for stability after recent losing streaks.

Philadelphia enters the game with a 2-4 record after losing four straight contests. The Eagles have been severely affected by injuries. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is out after blood clots were found in his calf and lungs. Wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks are also sidelined. Running back Saquon Barkley, guard Landon Dickerson, tackle Jonathan Greenard, and safety Jalyx Hunt are all listed as questionable.

Dallas has lost its last two games in poor fashion. The Cowboys’ offense scored more than 30 points in each of its first four games but has managed just 29 points combined against the Buccaneers and Packers. The team’s defense, which was considered a strength, has shown cracks. The Cowboys are now favored by 4.5 points over the Eagles, with the over/under set at 43.5 points.

The Cowboys have struggled to handle blitzes in recent games. In weeks 5 and 6, opponents sent extra rushers on 38.8 percent of Dak Prescott’s dropbacks. Prescott completed only 20 of 38 passes for 194 yards without a score in those situations. The Eagles have blitzed less frequently, doing so on 24.1 percent of dropbacks this season. That rate is the fourth-lowest in the NFL.

Philadelphia’s defense has allowed opponents to complete 60.4 percent of passes at 7.0 yards per attempt. However, the unit has given up eight touchdown passes while only recording three interceptions. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s staff has also struggled to generate pressure, registering a sack, hit, or hurry on only 32.9 percent of dropbacks. This lack of pressure often forces cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell, Riq Woolen, and Cooper DeJean to cover receivers for extended periods.

The Eagles’ offensive line will be thin for this contest. Without Hurts, the team relies on backup quarterback Tanner McKee. McKee passed 48 times in the previous game, a volume consistent with his earlier starts. The Eagles may lean on a pass-heavy approach because McKee does not present the same running threat as Hurts. If Barkley plays, he averaged 5.5 yards per carry in the two games he finished healthy this season. He practiced fully on Friday for the first time since his hamstring injury.

The Cowboys allow 4.7 yards per carry to opponents this season. Their defensive front has struggled to contain the run, with every opponent except the Texans and Packers gaining at least 165 rushing yards against them. If the Eagles can establish a running game early, it could limit the time the Cowboys’ offense spends on the field. The Cowboys have also allowed 4.0 yards per carry to their own running backs, with Javonte Williams averaging 3.7 yards per carry this year.

The matchup presents clear vulnerabilities for both sides. The Eagles lack depth at receiver and offensive line, while the Cowboys have shown inconsistent protection and pass rush. The game will air on ESPN and ABC. The outcome will determine which team halts its losing streak first.