Rumor: Eagles considering a familiar face to bolster the backfield
With Miles Sanders coming off another injury-riddled season, the Eagles will need some insurance in the backfield if he goes down next year.
The team brought back Boston Scott on a one-year deal and second-year back Kenneth Gainwell is coming off a promising rookie campaign, but they could still use a downhill runner.
According to NFL Insiders Adam Caplan and Geoff Mosher of Inside The Birds, a familiar face could be returning to help bolster the position:
“They need a guy with size. My sense is that they probably would bring someone in at some point in August if not by the start of camp,” Caplan said. “The problem with Jordan Howard is he has had neck issues, so you wonder about him. He’s always on call. If they need to sign him, they’ll sign him.”
“Last year there was a lot more uncertainty, so they signed him early,” Mosher followed. “I think they went into this offseason realizing they don’t need to sign him at all [before the season]. They are the only team ever since the Dolphins cut him who ever showed any interest in him. I feel like they know they can call him up five days before the season or the day after the cutdowns, and if they feel they need a big back, they can just bring him in.”
If Jordan Howard does find his way back to Philadelphia, it’ll be his fourth stint with the team since 2019. The power back found success in relief of Miles Sanders last season, rushing for 406 yards and three TDs in seven appearances.
Jordan Howard doing Jordan Howard things.#PHIvsDET | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/wxPszMLpAo
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 31, 2021
The Eagles currently have five running backs on the roster ahead of training camp:
- Miles Sanders
- Kenneth Gainwell
- Boston Scott
- Jason Huntley
- Kennedy Brooks
Brooks out of Oklahoma is the most intriguing option in short-yardage situations. He has superb vision and can drag defenders for yards after contact. The Eagles ought to see what they have in him before bringing back Howard and his inevitable late-season stingers.
If Sanders — who is entering a contract year — can stay healthy, Nick Sirianni shouldn’t have to dip too far into the depth chart.
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Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports
