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2026 NFL backfield

Philadelphia Eagles running backs

The current roster, the published replacement plan and the production behind each player’s role.

The published backfield plan

Published starter

Saquon Barkley

Preferred handcuff

Tank Bigsby

Bigsby is the listed RB2 behind Barkley.

Committee uncertainty: an absence could spread work across several backs.

View Saquon Barkley’s handcuff breakdown

Week 1 analysis published .

How the work could change

Philadelphia’s Sept. 8 team-issued Week 1 depth chart lists Saquon Barkley first, Tank Bigsby second and Will Shipley third. Bigsby is the best-supported replacement.

Philadelphia’s Sept. 8 team-issued Week 1 depth chart lists Saquon Barkley first, Tank Bigsby second and Will Shipley third. Bigsby is the best-supported replacement.

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The full backfield depth chart

Every running back and fullback assigned to Philadelphia Eagles, including reserve and practice-squad entries. Chart order and replacement opportunity answer different questions: a passing-down specialist can sit ahead of the back most likely to inherit the carries.

Source: nflverse depth-chart feed · Feed dated Thu, Sep 10, 8:01 AM EDT. Equal ranks are ties. Unlisted backs are not assigned an invented rank. FB ranks are separate from RB ranks.

Philadelphia Eagles full running back depth chart
Feed orderPlayerScouting roleDraft investmentRoster status
RB1
Saquon BarkleyPublished starter		Three-down back2018 · Round 1 · Pick 2active
RB2
Tank BigsbyPublished handcuff		Early-down runner2023 · Round 3 · Pick 88active
RB3
Will Shipley		Change-of-pace back2024 · Round 4 · Pick 127active
Unlisted
Carson Steele		Role under reviewDraft history unavailablepractice squad
Unlisted
Dameon Pierce		Role under review2022 · Round 4 · Pick 107practice squad
Unlisted
Jaydon Blue		Role under review2025 · Round 5 · Pick 149practice squad

Every back: role, upside and obstacles

The player assessments below explain the skills that could earn work and the assignments that might go to someone else. Role labels describe scouting assessments; they are not confirmed snap shares. “Three-down” means a skill set for rushing and passing situations, not a guarantee of every down.

RB1 · Three-down back

Saquon Barkley

Age 29 · 9 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

The unquestioned engine of Philadelphia's offense and still an every-down force, though his efficiency dipped from 22.2 to 14.5 fantasy points per game year over year. Enormous accumulated mileage at 29 is the real risk, not any current injury.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

He is the starter in the dated board above. For fantasy purposes, the question is how much of the rushing and passing work he keeps when the whole room is available.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A starter can still lose third downs, short-yardage work or change-of-pace touches to specialists. His role assessment describes the skill set, not a guarantee that every assignment stays with him.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2018 · Round 1 · Pick 2

Drafted by NYG; not necessarily his current team.

Early-round investment is part of his prospect pedigree and may support a chance to develop. It does not guarantee the next workload, especially after a team change.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 16 recorded games include 280 carries and 37 receptions on 50 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB2 · Early-down runner

Tank Bigsby

Age 24 · 4 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Acquired from Jacksonville for fifth- and sixth-round picks specifically as Barkley insurance. Efficient, physical downhill runner with proven lead-back production — widely rated a league-winning handcuff who would take a full early-down workload behind this offensive line.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

The dated board selects him as the preferred replacement behind Saquon Barkley. That is a projection of the replacement role, not a promise that he gets every touch.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Saquon Barkley. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2023 · Round 3 · Pick 88

Drafted by JAX; not necessarily his current team.

Day-two draft investment adds prospect context. His current role, availability and competition still decide whether he gets the next opportunity.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 15 recorded games include 63 carries and 3 receptions on 4 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB3 · Change-of-pace back

Will Shipley

Age 24 · 3 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Change-of-pace third back and special-teams contributor who was the designated spell option behind Barkley until ribs knocked him out of the opener. The Bigsby trade had already pushed him down the pecking order.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Saquon Barkley. The dated board currently prefers Tank Bigsby for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A change-of-pace role can create useful touches in a limited package. It does not automatically transfer to the starter’s workload; another back may fit the early-down or short-yardage assignment better.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2024 · Round 4 · Pick 127

Drafted by PHI; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 14 recorded games include 14 carries and 9 receptions on 12 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Carson Steele

Age 23 · 2 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Carson Steele is a third-year player listed by PHI at RB, from UCLA.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Dameon Pierce

Age 26 · 5 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Dameon Pierce is a five-year veteran listed by PHI at RB, from Florida. The official roster lists him at 5-10 and 218 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2022 · Round 4 · Pick 107

Drafted by HOU; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Jaydon Blue

Age 22 · 2 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Jaydon Blue is a second-year player listed by PHI at RB, from Texas. The official roster lists him at 5-9 and 198 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2025 · Round 5 · Pick 149

Drafted by DAL; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

The production behind the names

2025 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2025 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
Saquon Barkley
1628037141314.5
Tank Bigsby
156333883.6
Carson Steele
—————
Dameon Pierce
—————
Jaydon Blue
—————
Will Shipley
141491051.4
Saquon Barkley: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 1217 touches
Wk 1313 touches
Wk 1420 touches
Wk 1524 touches
Wk 1621 touches
Wk 1719 touches
Tank Bigsby: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 121 touches
Wk 141 touches
Wk 1517 touches
Wk 164 touches
Wk 173 touches
Wk 1817 touches
Will Shipley: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 131 touches
Wk 141 touches
Wk 150 touches
Wk 161 touches
Wk 172 touches
Wk 183 touches

Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.

Evidence behind the backfield analysis

Compare your next bench move

A handcuff is an opportunity to hold, not a projected starter for this week. Compare the room with other teams, then choose a game window that fits your league’s rules.

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