One of the more interesting areas of competition this season for the Philadelphia Eagles has been the primary backup beyond starting running back Saquon Barkley. The Eagles have given the trio of A.J. Dillon, Will Shipley, and Tank Bigsby each a chance to win the role either heading into the year or throughout the season. It appeared that Shipley had the role locked down in Week 1, but suffered an injury that forced the team to look for improved depth at the position. This forced a trade for Bigsby, who has been the expected primary backup in the weeks since.
However, this changed after Philly's bye week, with Shipley finally afforded the needed time to get healthy. He was on the field for a season-high 12 offensive snaps during Monday's win over the Green Bay Packers, while Bigsby was only afforded eight (after having 16 in Week 8), signaling that Shipley is the more trusted of the two options.
Dillon has seemingly fallen out of the rotation completely, with the race coming down to the more flexible options. Shipley has clearly taken advantage of the situation, leaving time to tell if he can hold the role down throughout the second half of the season.
Will Shipley Is Back in Driver's Seat of Eagles' RB2 Race
Even with Shipley being considered more of a receiving back, he still outpaced Bigsby on the ground, accounting for 17 rushing yards on four carries compared to the latter's seven yards on three opportunities. The difference adds to Shipley clearly being the preferred option with Bigsby in the third back role.
Assuming there are no further injuries, this does paint a bleak picture for Dillon, who appears not only to have fallen out of the rotation but is on the verge of being kicked off the roster altogether. He's only averaging eight offensive snaps per game this season while seeing only six carries in his last four games after having as many in the first two.
Shipley is clearly the most dynamic option for the Eagles' RB2 job, proven by his season-high 34 total scrimmage yards in Week 10. That's the type of juice Philadelphia needs in the lineup when Barkley requires a breather or two.
There is a great chance that Shipley's snaps were lower earlier in the season to give him a chance to get fully healthy. Based on how things played out on Monday Night Football against the Packers, this seems a very safe assumption, and fans should expect more of the same moving forward.
For Shipley, it is a great opportunity to play in a loaded offense where you're always going to be an afterthought based on the elite weapons around you. He is consistently going to be set up by his teammates and has the advantage of playing behind Barkley.
No question, if this is the direction the Eagles are moving, it is a great opportunity and a chance that Shipley must take advantage of if his career is going to continue to move in the right direction. As for Dillon and Bigsby, hopefully, they find other ways to contribute to stay in the coaching staff's favor.