Eagles Running Back Situation Is Actually An Interesting One

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NFL

Philly Fans Should Embrace Eagles Running Back Situation

Anxious NFL fans from all over the world finally got their dose of football on Thursday night. Thursday saw top teams like the Philadelphia Eagles show off just a little of their good stuff. Obviously, all eyes were on Eagles starting quarterback Carson Wentz. Wentz didn’t see the field and neither did Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles. The real focus needs to be on the Eagles running back situation.

Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was given as an opportunity to Nate Sudfeld to showcase that he can play. Sudfeld had a solid game, but I am not interested in third-string quarterbacks right now. I am interested in the Eagles running back situation because it can define the Eagles offense this upcoming season.

Corey Clement Is Staking His Claim

I know the Eagles traded for Ajayi last year in the middle of the season. We can also recognize he’s not the clear starter at running back. Indeed, the Eagles running back situation is far from settled. After Thursday’s game, the former Wisconsin Badger should be on top of the depth chart.

Corey Clement had a respectable performance against the Steelers. He carried the ball five times and rushed for 30 yards. Clement also caught the ball twice, but he wasn’t able to do much with it. The 5’10 running back did show the ability to make defenders miss, which is satisfying to see. It looks like Clement is picking up right where from he left off.

The Forgotten Man Coming Back With A Chip On His Shoulder

What about Darren Sproles? Could he be the primary ball carrier this season? Unlikely. Last year, the 35-year-old back broke his arm and tore his ACL on the same play during Week 3. Rumors started flying around about whether Sproles would retire from football after these injuries.

The all-purpose back signed a one-year contract to return with the Eagles. The Eagles running back situation got a spark with the return of Sproles. Philly now has a player that’s hungry to end his career the right way. Sproles did not play against the Steelers, but he’s still a name to keep an eye on.

What’s Going On With Donnel Pumphrey?

The Pumphrey situation is a frustrating one for Philly. Eagles fans had high hopes for Pumphrey last season. Expectations were high because the Birds drafted the former San Diego State running back in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Pumphrey finished his college career as the all-time NCAA Division I FBS leader in rushing yards. In his final season with the Aztecs, Pumphrey rushed for 2,133 yards and ran for 16 touchdowns. The kid has definitely displayed the talent to be a threat coming out the backfield.

A big problem that keeps resurfacing with the one-time Aztec is injuries. Pumphrey missed his entire rookie season due to a torn hamstring. He recently missed the showdown against the Steelers because of a lower-body injury. If Pumphrey wants to have a chance in the Eagles running back situation, he has to play.

Matt Jones Knows What His Role Is Going To Be With Philly

I think it’s easy to say Matt Jones isn’t the most talented back out of the bunch. He might get some carries in games, but that’s about it. Jones has struggled with consistency in all the teams he’s suited up for.

Expect him to be a running back only used to change the pace of the offense. The Eagles have relied on the running back by committee philosophy, and I expect this season to be no different.

The 25-year-old back will be expected not to be a significant factor in the running game, and I think he already knows that. He had the opportunity to play against Pittsburgh, but an injury kept him from playing.

One Of These Two Backs Could Get The Axe Before The Season Begins

There are two running backs that I haven’t mentioned yet. Their names are Josh Adams and Wendell Smallwood. Adams is an undrafted agent from Notre Dame, and Smallwood has been with the Eagles since 2016. Smallwood’s roster spot could be the one in most danger.

The reason why is because he has yet to show what dynamic he can bring to the Eagles backfield. He’s a back that doesn’t offer much and keeping him would be pointless. If the situation arises in which the Eagles have to pick between either back, Adams should be the one to stay.

Eagles fans have seen Smallwood for two seasons, and he is what he is at this point. Former NFL player Brian Baldinger tweeted from his Twitter account about what he saw from Adams against the Steelers. Is the kid any good? Just watch the video below and judge for yourself.