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3 Eagles With the Most to Prove in Week 3

By Tyler Maher

Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) walks off the field after a victory against the New York Giants in an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) walks off the field after a victory against the New York Giants in an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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2. Kenny Gainwell

Heading into the season, there was a lot of uncertainty around how Philadelphia’s backfield would shake out, especially with newcomers D’Andre Swift and Rashaady Penny joining holdovers Boston Scott and Kenny Gainwell.

Gainwell got first crack at the starting job in Week 1, tallying 74 scrimmage yards on 18 touches. Unfortunately for him he was unable to play in Week 2 due to a rib injury, opening the door for someone else to make their case.

Swift stepped through that open door and put on a show, piling up 175 rushing yards on 28 carries as he gashed the Vikings in Week 2 on Thursday Night Football. Talk about making a statement.

Now, the Eagles’ running back situation appears murkier than ever. With Gainwell returning to practice this week and expected to suit up on Monday, he’ll need to make the most of his carries if he wants to avoid falling behind Swift on the depth chart for good.

Accordingly, this feels like a make-or-break game for Gainwell, especially against a tough Buccaneers run defense that ranks third in rushing yards allowed this season. If Gainwell can put up a good performance, that should give the coaching staff more confidence in him.

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