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Philadelphia Eagles: 5 questions for Week 1 of preseason against Pittsburgh Steelers

By Justin Bonner

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles is congratulated by his teammates after recovering a fumble late in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles is congratulated by his teammates after recovering a fumble late in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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4. How does the running back battle play out?

Another battle that fans should be able to get a look at is at running back. Currently, the team has seven running backs signed to contracts. The team picked up former Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones along with signing undrafted free agent Josh Adams from Notre Dame. In addition, The Eagles have Donnel Pumphrey, Wendell Smallwood, Darren Sproles, Corey Clement, and Jay Ajayi on the roster.

The locks to make the team would appear to be Sproles, Clement, and Ajayi. Outside of that, it all depends on how many running backs the team will decide to keep. For me, the battle to pay attention to is the one between Adams and Jones.

Both Jones and Adams are big, bruising downhill runners in the mold of the departed LeGarrette Blount. With Blount now in Detroit, the Eagles will probably be looking to replace his size and powerful running style. It’s doubtful that both Adams and Jones make this team, so both of these men should get some snaps on Thursday.

Smallwood appears to be the odd man out, but barring an absolutely terrible showing in the preseason, he still has a chance as a player who can catch passes and use his speed on the outside. Smallwood has failed to make an impact as an Eagle, so he will really need to impress.

The most curious running back for me will be Pumphrey, who sat out all of last year and doesn’t appear to have a role on the team while Sproles is still here. Still, he may get a chance to flash his skills on special teams. It will be interesting to see how Doug Pederson decides to use him.

The Eagles certainly don’t lack options at running back, and Thursday should give fans an extended look at some of these players as they battle for a roster spot.

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