If the Philadelphia Eagles want to repeat as champions, they need to unleash running back AJ Dillon — not leave him buried on the depth chart. The former Boston College Eagle signed with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason to be a backup power back to Saquon Barkley. After missing 2024 with a neck injury, Dillon looks ready to contribute again in Philadelphia.
Two games into his first season with the Eagles, Dillon has been productive when given the opportunity. He is averaging 4.8 yards per carry, but has only 6 carries on the season. For a team built on running the ball and controlling the line of scrimmage, it’s hard to justify leaving a proven weapon like Dillon on the sideline while piling more work onto Barkley’s shoulders.
Before signing with the defending champs, Dillon excelled with the Green Bay Packers from 2020 to 2024. He was never the star of the show; that spotlight belonged to Aaron Jones, but Dillon consistently thrived as the change-of-pace option. He amassed 2,428 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in 60 games despite the shared workload. Dillon has proven time and again that he can succeed in a complementary role, and the Eagles should give him that chance again.
Eagles Must Increase AJ Dillon's Playing Time in Week 3
What makes Dillon particularly valuable to Philadelphia is his physical style. At 247 pounds, he’s built to wear down defenses, especially late in games. He thrives in short-yardage situations, but he’s more than just a bruiser — his vision and burst allow him to break through arm tackles and pick up chunk plays. With Barkley handling the bulk of touches, Dillon’s ability to keep defenses honest could be the difference between an exhausted Saquon in December and a fresh one come playoff time.
And that’s the real concern: Barkley’s workload. Last season, Saquon Barkley led all running backs in the regular season in carries (345) and run snaps (423) while also finishing 15th in passing snaps (378). That doesn’t even account for the four playoff games he was featured in. The Eagles have championship aspirations, but they need Barkley healthy in January — not worn down by September.
That’s why Dillon matters. He’s more than a depth piece; he’s an insurance policy and a weapon in his own right. Giving him meaningful carries not only reduces the burden on Barkley but also makes the offense less predictable. Defenses can’t simply key in on Barkley if Dillon is used as a legitimate part of the rotation.
If the Eagles want Barkley at full strength in January, they need to give Dillon more than six carries by Week 3. The blueprint for another championship run depends on keeping their superstar fresh, and Dillon is the kind of back who can make that possible.