When the Philadelphia Eagles were preparing for the return of corner Jakorian Bennett from injured reserve, there was one obvious move to be made. Running back AJ Dillon was a prime cut candidate after being inactive in Week 10, making it over a month since he last stepped on the field.
However, Dillon's job was saved when Jaire Alexander surprisingly announced he was stepping away from the team. That allowed the Eagles to make space on the 53-man roster for Bennett by placing Alexander on the Reserve/Retired list.
This gives Dillon a little more life with the Eagles, but he still doesn't have much time left in Philly.
Dillon Still a Cut Candidate as Willie Lampkin Nears Return
Bennett wasn't the only Eagle designated to return from IR who will need a spot on the 53-man roster. Willie Lampkin's practice window was opened last week, meaning he will need to be activated by November 27th to be eligible to play again this season. And with the offensive line banged up (specifically Cam Jurgens), the Eagles will need Lampkin to be eligible.
So did Alexander stepping away save Dillon's job? Maybe, but not for long. He's just not making any contributions, and it's become impossible to justify a 53-man roster spot. He has been a healthy scratch for three straight games, and even when active he only averaged 2 carries in 8 snaps per game.
Nobody is going to see many carries behind Saquon Barkley, but it appears clear that Will Shipley and Tank Bigsby are the primary backups. And holding four running backs on the 53-man roster doesn't make much sense when you need depth elsewhere.
Alexander walking away didn't change any of this, but simply delayed the inevitable, leaving the door slightly ajar for Dillon to change minds. But that will probably need to happen on the practice field, because a sudden shift back onto the gameday roster to get opportunities to prove himself on Sunday doesn't seem likely.
All of this said, Dillon may well be able to stick in Philly if he wants to. There's certainly a risk another RB-needy team claims him off waivers, but if they don't then he'd be eligible to return to the practice squad. There, his role would be the same as it is now: the fourth running back in the pecking order, who could step in as a competent replacement if injuries hit the backfield. Because they have four RBs on the active roster, the Eagles don't currently have one on the practice squad.
All of this is to say that while it may appear that Alexander just saved Dillon's job, that won't be the case for long unless something changes dramatically.