Philadelphia Eagles: 3 backups who can make an impact in 2022
1. Kenneth Gainwell
Though Miles Sanders is locked in as the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting running back for at least one more season, Howie Roseman and company would be wise to give other rushers on their roster opportunities to prove their mettle this fall just in case “Boobie” opts to leave.
Of the three other players on the roster with the best chance to make the roster, Kenneth Gainwell is probably the perfect mix of potential and on-field production, moreso than Boston Scott and 2022 UDFA Kenneth Brooks.
A fifth-round pick out of Memphis in 2021 who just so happens to be cousins with Fletcher Cox, Gainwell is a fantastically versatile running back who can run inside, run outside, and even catch passes both from out of the offensive backfield or kicked outside either into the slot or even out wide to perimeter wide receiver. While he found success early on as a rookie as a third-down, no-huddle option, his production waxed and waned depending on who was available at the time, and he closed out the season with just two total offensive targets over the final three weeks of the regular season – save Week 18 – as a result.
Still, with a unique set of skills built for the modern NFL, don’t be too surprised if Gainwell takes on a bigger role in 2022 and finds himself a fixture of the Eagles’ offense as a result.
Next. A.J. Brown gives great advice to Miles Sanders. dark
Did we miss anyone? Are you a big Cam Jurgens person or particularly high on Patrick Johnson heading into Year 2? Let us know!