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No free agent in NFL history had the kind of immediate impact that running back Saquon Barkley had with the Philadelphia Eagles last season.
Barkley ran for over 2,000 rushing yards last season - the first player to do so in team history. He set an NFL record for total rushing yards recorded in a season including playoffs as well.
But there's an obvious concern with the All-Pro as he enters his second season in Philly.
History is not kind to running backs coming off a 2,000-yard season. It's even worse for runners who have recorded almost 500 touches in a single season, including playoffs.
It's why the Eagles need to make sure they utilize his backups this season more than last year. One of those runners is former mid-round pick from the 2024 draft, Clemson runner Will Shipley.
Speaking in a Q&A on the PhillyVoice, Eagles reporter Jimmy Kempski believes that Shipley is expected to get a larger role in 2025.
"I thought he showed enough as a rookie that he can be an upgrade over Kenny Gainwell as the RB2," Kempski said. "At some point I should also probably write something on the history of running backs who got workloads similar to Saquon's last year, and what they did in their subsequent seasons."
Shipley only recorded 38 touches last season playing behind both Barkley and Gainwell. While the Eagles did sign AJ Dillon to a free agent deal, the Clemson product is expected to take on a larger role first.
Barkley is going to continue to be the catalyst in 2025. That much is clear. But it's quite obvious the Eagles are going to try and limit his touches during the regular season moving forward.
Continue reading...
Barkley ran for over 2,000 rushing yards last season - the first player to do so in team history. He set an NFL record for total rushing yards recorded in a season including playoffs as well.
But there's an obvious concern with the All-Pro as he enters his second season in Philly.
History is not kind to running backs coming off a 2,000-yard season. It's even worse for runners who have recorded almost 500 touches in a single season, including playoffs.
It's why the Eagles need to make sure they utilize his backups this season more than last year. One of those runners is former mid-round pick from the 2024 draft, Clemson runner Will Shipley.
Speaking in a Q&A on the PhillyVoice, Eagles reporter Jimmy Kempski believes that Shipley is expected to get a larger role in 2025.
"I thought he showed enough as a rookie that he can be an upgrade over Kenny Gainwell as the RB2," Kempski said. "At some point I should also probably write something on the history of running backs who got workloads similar to Saquon's last year, and what they did in their subsequent seasons."
Shipley only recorded 38 touches last season playing behind both Barkley and Gainwell. While the Eagles did sign AJ Dillon to a free agent deal, the Clemson product is expected to take on a larger role first.
Barkley is going to continue to be the catalyst in 2025. That much is clear. But it's quite obvious the Eagles are going to try and limit his touches during the regular season moving forward.
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Related: Eagles Make Irreplaceable Move Toward Super Bowl Repeat
Continue reading...
