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Cowboys and Eagles meet at 2–4: McKee faces another test as Barkley's status remains uncertain

Dallas needs Dak Prescott and its offense to emerge from a slump; Philadelphia hopes to end a four-game losing streak despite a depleted receiving corps. The division matchup is Monday night.

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Cowboys vs. Eagles, Sunday October 25, 2026
Cowboys vs. Eagles, Sunday, October 25, 2026 © Photo: Dallas Cowboys/James Smith

The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles bring identical 2–4 records into a game that could shift the immediate direction of both teams in the NFC East. On Monday at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia will again turn to Tanner McKee with Jalen Hurts unavailable. Dallas will try to exploit the Eagles' injuries at receiver, but must also prepare for the possible return of Saquon Barkley and address the problems in its own defense.

This matchup extends beyond the quarterbacks. The Eagles have lost four straight and scored 58 points over that stretch, according to an Associated Press account. The Cowboys have lost two in a row, scoring just 29 points combined. The winner will move to 3–4 and the loser to 2–5 in a division that remains unsettled; this game alone cannot settle a playoff berth.

Cowboys–Eagles at a glance

  • Competition: NFL, 2026 regular season, Week 7.
  • Teams: Dallas Cowboys (away) at Philadelphia Eagles (home).
  • Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  • Kickoff: Monday, October 26, 8:15 p.m. EDT.

McKee faces a thinner receiving corps

Hurts is on injured reserve, leaving McKee to prepare for his second start of 2026. He had little practice time with the first unit before last week's game against Carolina; this time, he has had a full week working with offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. That extra preparation does not replace his familiar targets. DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks were ruled out on Saturday's final injury report. Rookie Makai Lemon will shoulder more responsibility, while tight end Dallas Goedert was cleared after a full practice.

Barkley missed the last two games with a hamstring injury. He practiced fully Saturday but is still officially questionable. His return has not been confirmed. Philadelphia rushed for only 22 and 35 yards in those two games, according to the NFL. If he plays, the ground game could ease the burden on McKee and help create play-action opportunities. If he cannot, the Eagles will need another way to avoid long third downs. The club has discussed the connection between its running game and play-action passing without announcing a fixed plan for Monday.

That question matters against a Dallas defense allowing nearly 150 rushing yards per game and 4.7 yards per carry, according to figures cited by AP and the Eagles. Dallas could also test a quarterback with limited starting experience through pressure. Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker previously worked in Philadelphia under Vic Fangio; the connection offers context for his scheme but does not reveal what he will call in this game.

Prescott tries to restore Dallas' rhythm

Dak Prescott has thrown for 1,639 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions in six games. CeeDee Lamb has 48 catches for 577 yards, while Javonte Williams has scored seven rushing touchdowns. The talent is there to challenge Philadelphia, even though Dallas failed to reach 20 points in each of its two recent losses. With KaVontae Turpin ruled out because of a rib injury, the Cowboys will also be without a return threat and a different offensive option.

Dallas must decide how to balance Prescott's throws to Lamb and George Pickens with Williams' carries. Philadelphia must contain explosive plays without leaving too little help against the run. The Eagles also have uncertainty on the edge: Nolan Smith is out, while Jonathan Greenard and Jalyx Hunt are questionable. Cobie Durant and DeMarvion Overshown completed Saturday's practice for Dallas, improving their chances, but their participation has not been confirmed.

Injury and availability report

These designations come from the final report published Saturday, October 24. Both teams will issue inactive lists closer to kickoff.

Eagles

  • Jalen Hurts: on injured reserve; unavailable Monday.
  • DeVonta Smith: out, hamstring.
  • Dontayvion Wicks: out, ankle.
  • Nolan Smith: out, concussion.
  • Michael Carter II: out, abdomen.
  • Saquon Barkley: questionable, hamstring; practiced fully Saturday.
  • Jonathan Greenard: questionable, ankle.
  • Jalyx Hunt: questionable, knee/ankle.
  • Dallas Goedert: cleared after a full Saturday practice.

Cowboys

  • KaVontae Turpin: out, ribs.
  • Drew Shelton: out, hamstring.
  • Dee Winters: out, calf.
  • Marist Liufau: questionable, forearm; must be activated from injured reserve to play.
  • P.J. Locke: questionable, foot; must be activated from injured reserve to play.
  • Cobie Durant and DeMarvion Overshown: practiced fully; their game participation still needs confirmation.

How to watch Cowboys vs. Eagles

  • United States: Monday, October 26, 8:15 p.m. EDT / 5:15 p.m. PDT. TV: ABC and ESPN; ESPN2 has an alternate broadcast, while NFL Network has an analysis program. Streaming: the Eagles list Disney+ and ESPN+ options for ABC/ESPN; check the applicable subscription tier.
  • Australia: Tuesday, October 27, 11:15 a.m. AEDT in Sydney. TV: ESPN PacRim, as listed by the Eagles for this game. Streaming: NFL Game Pass International on DAZN; a separate subscription may be required.
  • United Kingdom: Tuesday, October 27, 12:15 a.m. GMT. Streaming: NFL Game Pass International on DAZN. DAZN says Monday night games are unaffected by its ordinary Sunday blackout rules. TV: an additional channel for this specific game has not been confirmed in the operator material reviewed.

The Eagles' game-specific viewing guide lists ABC and ESPN in the United States and NFL Game Pass International outside it, subject to territorial exceptions. The inactive lists, above all the decision on Barkley, will provide the final sporting update before kickoff.