RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesMost backup competitions are viewed through the lens of what happens if the starter gets injured. The Philadelphia Eagles’ battle behind Saquon Barkley carries more immediate importance.
Barkley rushed 280 times for 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025, one year after accumulating 482 regular-season and postseason touches during Philadelphia’s championship run. He remains the centerpiece of the offense, but asking him to absorb another overwhelming workload would create unnecessary risk. The Eagles need a second running back capable of taking meaningful snaps without forcing the offense to abandon its identity.
Tank Bigsby enters camp as the favorite
Bigsby produced 356 yards and two touchdowns on 63 carries after joining Philadelphia last season. His 5.7-yard average demonstrated the explosive insurance he can provide behind Barkley.
That ability was clearest against the New York Giants , when Bigsby rushed for 104 yards on nine carries while Barkley produced 150 yards. Philadelphia did not have to choose between protecting its starter and maintaining an explosive rushing attack.
Bigsby’s power makes him the favorite for the primary backup role, but Will Shipley offers a different skill set. The former fourth-round pick can contribute as a receiver and kickoff returner, giving offensive coordinator Sean Mannion flexibility when rotating personnel.
Dameon Pierce brings starting experience after rushing for 939 yards as a Houston Texans rookie in 2022. His production has declined since then, but his physical style could translate well behind Philadelphia’s offensive line.
Carson Steele may have the most specialized path. At 6-foot and 228 pounds, he can compete as a fullback and short-yardage runner while contributing on special teams.
The winner can help extend Barkley’s impact
Managing Barkley’s workload does not mean placing him on a strict carry limit. It means identifying situations in which another runner can handle a series, protect a lead or absorb short-yardage contact.
The Eagles need Barkley at his best in December and January, not chasing unnecessary touches during the opening weeks. A trustworthy backup would allow Philadelphia to manage that calculation without sacrificing production.
Bigsby offers the strongest combination of proven power and explosiveness. Shipley provides versatility, while Pierce and Steele bring physical alternatives. Whoever emerges will not merely be Barkley’s emergency replacement. He could become an essential part of keeping Philadelphia’s most valuable running back healthy and dangerous for an entire season.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles’ RB2 competition could help preserve Saquon Barkley
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