6 Eagles Playing for Their Jobs in Training Camp

3. Kenneth Gainwell, Linebacker

Kenneth Gainwell has spent the past three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and has done a solid job as their backup running back during that time. This past season, he was the primary option behind D’Andre Swift and had 364 yards and two touchdowns.

For his career, Gainwell has 205 attempts for 895 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s also been solid catching the ball out of the backfield with 86 receptions for 605 yards and another touchdown. Gainwell was especially impressive during their 2022 playoff run with 236 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.

This year, he’s still listed as the No. 2 back behind free-agent addition Saquon Barkley but has some competition in the form of rookie Will Shipley. 

Shipley, a fourth-round pick this season out of Clemson and he’s been turning heads in offseason workouts. If his strong play continues into training camp, it could mean Gainwell will lose snaps in the regular season.

Where Shipley has really stood out is as a pass catcher. He’s been making plays out of the backfield but has also moved into the slot at times. He's run clean routes and then makes a lot of plays in the open field, earning praise from his teammates in the process. 

Having him behind Barkley would give them a strong rotation. For Gainwell, he shouldn’t be a cut candidate but there’s a chance he slides down the depth chart. Unless he proves he’s a far superior option over the rookie.