It isn't a secret that veteran running back AJ Dillon isn't exactly in Philadelphia Eagles fans' good graces. The offseason arrival drew the fan base's ire following a costly fumble against the New York Giants in Week 6, leaving some Dillon truthers believing that the Eagles' 10-day layoff between games would be enough time for him to get back on track.
Unfortunately, it seems like Dillon didn't regain his coaches' trust during the Eagles' mini-bye, because the 27-year-old RB was a healthy scratch against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. No matter how you slice it, that isn't good news for the grizzled runner's outlook.
Eagles Might Cut AJ Dillon Loose After Week 7
Although nothing is guaranteed, Dillon's outlook with the Eagles is in jeopardy after being a healthy scratch. Considering how he hadn't missed an appearance until Week 7, it's clear that head coach Nick Sirianni isn't comfortable having the ex-Green Bay Packer in the backfield at the moment.
Dillon's inactivity could also open the door for the Eagles to see what they truly have with fellow RB Tank Bigsby. The former Auburn Tiger has been used exclusively as a kick returner since arriving in Philadelphia from the Jacksonville Jaguars and was even benched in Week 6. However, it didn't take Bigsby long to be thrown back into the backfield mix, as he ripped off an 11-yard carry for a first down on his first carry of Sunday's game.
If Bigsby continues to make the most of his opportunities, both during games and in practice, the Eagles likely won't hesitate to cut Dillon. Although the sixth-year pro brings plenty of experience to the table and his 5.0 yards per carry on the season isn't awful, he isn't irreplaceable post-fumble, especially with Bigsby and Will Shipley behind Saquon Barkley, along with quarterback Jalen Hurts' legs.
For reference, a potential cut would only leave the Eagles with $175,700 in dead cap, according to Spotrac, creating over $1 million in savings.
The NFL is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately business, and even one mistake can blow up a player's reputation with a team. It took Dillon just one fumble to go from respected veteran to potential cut candidate, and the Eagles' opting to scratch him on Sunday suggests that the team no longer has a use for him.