Eagles’ First Week 2 Injury Report Could Lead to Big Backfield Shakeup

Though the Philadelphia Eagles made some notable additions at running back this offseason, it was Kenneth Gainwell who saw the bulk of the work during the team’s Week 1 win. Meanwhile, D’Andre Swift was almost a complete non-factor as runner, and Rashaad Penny drew the unfortunate inactive tag despite being healthy.

Even though Nick Sirianni has clear plan in mind for his backfield at the moment, he may have some big adjustments to make in Week 2.

Philadelphia released its first injury report of Week 2 on Monday since the team is suiting up on Thursday Night Football. Some expected names were on there — like Nakobe Dean and Fletcher Cox — but the inclusion of Kenneth Gainwell as a DNP due to a rib injury prompts some concern.

This is the first time we’ve heard of a health issue for the third-year pro since the final whistle sounded on Sunday. If the ailment wasn’t discovered until Monday, that also leaves one less night to receive treatment, and time is of the essence with a short turnaround for TNF.

Now, Monday’s practice was only a walkthrough, so no reps were actually taken. That softens the DNP a little. It’s also a legit possibility he just woke up feeling sore in that spot and will be fine by the time the matchup with the Minnesota Vikings rolls around.

However, there’s a chance this is more than a nothing burger. Any kind of rib injury is no joke, especially at a position like RB that requires players to take hit after hit.

The Eagles clearly think highly of Gainwell’s ability as a top back, and they’ll likely exercise caution if he’s not near 100% by kickoff. Given the uncertainty around Gainwell’s status, this could be exactly the opportunity for Swift and Penny to take advantage of.

Starting with Penny, he’s obviously on the outside looking at playing time on this roster after being a healthy scratch. Despite being a potential camp casualty, Philly chose to keep the playmaker around, so there’s some trust in his abilities.

Penny’s undeniably electric when on the field and healthy. He averaged a staggering (and league-leading) 6.3 yards per carry in 2021, then followed that up with another average of 6.1 in 2022. He played in just 15 total games during this stretch, but the talent is obvious, and all it takes is one breakout performance for him to join in Philly’s running back rotation.

Meanwhile, Swift’s situation is a little tougher to read. He’s had his own injury troubles throughout his career, so it’s possibly the Eagles limited his touches on purpose in the opener. After all, having the dynamic dual threat healthy for an entire Super Bowl run is the goal here.

Still, you’d expect more than just one attempt on the ground from the former Georgia Bulldog. He did get to wet his beak with four receptions for 20 yards against the Patriots, but everyone knows he’s capable of much more.

If Gainwell sits after seeing 18 total touches (14 carries, 4 receptions) in Week 1, there’d be plenty of opportunities for both Swift and Penny to take advantage of versus the Vikings. The incumbent Boston Scott is always a threat to steal a drive here or there, but Swift and Penny’s big-play ability is really what this offense needs, especially after a sluggish Week 1.

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