Barner had six carries for 41 yards and a touchdown, adding a catch for four yards on his only target, in Thursday's preseason game against the Steelers.
Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles dominated the first-half snaps, with Barner then coming out for the start of the third quarter and ripping off five carries for 37 yards and a touchdown on the opening drive of the half. Meanwhile, rookie fifth-rounder Wendell Smallwood (quad) missed a second straight game, and rookie UDFA Byron Marshall managed just 18 yards on eight carries. Although there's still time for Smallwood to make a push, Barner has put himself in nice position to open the season as Philadelphia's No. 3 running back, at least from a depth chart standpoint. However, Barner's slight frame (5-9, 195) might make him a better insurance policy for Darren Sproles than for the oft-injured Ryan Mathews. At 5-10, 208 pounds, Smallwood probably still makes more sense as a Mathews handcuff for early-down carries.