The Philadelphia Eagles are facing a running back depth crisis following Will Shipley’s injury during their Week 6 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Shipley reportedly suffered a partial tear of his plantar fascia, an injury that could sideline him for multiple games.
With starting running back Saquon Barkley also dealing with a hamstring injury, Philadelphia could be forced to rely on its backup running backs as the 2026 NFL season continues.
Dameon Pierce, Carson Steele, and practice squad running back Jaydon Blue are among the players who could see increased opportunities.
Here is a look at the Eagles’ updated running back depth chart, injury updates, and potential replacements for Shipley.
Updated Philadelphia Eagles RB Depth Chart 2026
Following Shipley’s injury, Philadelphia’s projected running back depth chart looks significantly different.
| Position | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| RB1 | Saquon Barkley | Hamstring injury |
| RB2 | Dameon Pierce | Healthy |
| RB3 | Carson Steele | Healthy |
| RB4 | Jaydon Blue | Practice squad |
| RB5 | Will Shipley | Plantar fascia injury |
| RB6 | Tank Bigsby | Injured reserve |
Note: This is a projected depth chart based on reported injuries and available personnel, not an official team announcement.
With Barkley and Shipley dealing with injuries, Pierce could become Philadelphia’s primary ball carrier until the team’s backfield gets healthier.
What Happened to Will Shipley?
Will Shipley reportedly suffered a partial tear of his plantar fascia during Philadelphia’s 19-17 loss to Jacksonville on October 11.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot that helps support the arch and absorb impact during running.
Injuries to this area can significantly affect a running back’s ability to accelerate, change direction, and make explosive cuts.
Shipley could miss multiple games, although the Eagles have not established a definitive return date.
His absence creates another challenge for Philadelphia’s offense, particularly with Barkley’s availability uncertain.
Who Will Replace Will Shipley as the Eagles Running Back?
1. Dameon Pierce
Dameon Pierce appears to be the leading candidate to take over Philadelphia’s starting running back responsibilities if Saquon Barkley remains unavailable.
Pierce stepped into the backfield following Shipley’s injury against Jacksonville.
He finished the game with:
- 11 rushing attempts
- 14 rushing yards
- 1.3 yards per carry
Although his production was limited, Pierce has NFL starting experience and could receive a larger workload moving forward.
Philadelphia may lean on Pierce as its primary early-down running back while evaluating additional options.
2. Carson Steele
Carson Steele could become Philadelphia’s second option in the backfield.
Steele has experience contributing on special teams and provides another physical running back option.
He did not receive a significant offensive workload against Jacksonville, but Shipley’s injury could create opportunities for additional carries.
Steele could also contribute in short-yardage situations and pass protection.
3. Jaydon Blue
Jaydon Blue is another running back worth monitoring.
Currently listed on Philadelphia’s practice squad, Blue could be elevated to the active roster if the Eagles need additional depth.
Blue’s speed and ability to contribute as a receiver could provide a different dimension to Philadelphia’s offense.
However, any promotion would depend on the Eagles’ roster decisions and the health of their other running backs.
Is Saquon Barkley Injured?
Yes. Saquon Barkley has been dealing with a hamstring injury, creating additional uncertainty in Philadelphia’s backfield.
Barkley missed Philadelphia’s Week 5 matchup, and his availability for the Eagles’ next game remains unclear.
When healthy, Barkley remains the team’s unquestioned starting running back.
However, hamstring injuries can be difficult for running backs because of the position’s reliance on acceleration, cutting, and explosive movements.
Philadelphia could take a cautious approach with Barkley’s recovery to avoid aggravating the injury.
If Barkley cannot return immediately, Pierce would likely receive the first opportunity to handle the majority of the rushing attempts.
What Is Tank Bigsby’s Injury Status?
Tank Bigsby is another running back currently unavailable to Philadelphia.
Bigsby was placed on injured reserve following a core muscle injury that required surgery.
Under NFL injured reserve rules, players placed on IR during the season generally must miss at least four games before becoming eligible to return.
Bigsby’s absence further reduces Philadelphia’s running back depth.
His eventual return could provide additional competition and depth once he is medically cleared.
Will the Eagles Sign Another Running Back?
Philadelphia could explore adding another running back if injuries continue to affect the position.
The Eagles have several potential options, including signing an available free agent, promoting a practice squad player, or making a roster move to create additional depth.
However, the team’s immediate decisions will likely depend on Barkley’s recovery timetable and Shipley’s expected absence.
If both players remain sidelined, Philadelphia could enter its next matchup with Pierce and Steele as its primary active running backs.
How Will Will Shipley’s Injury Affect the Eagles Offense?
Shipley’s injury could affect Philadelphia in several areas.
Running Game: The Eagles may need to rely more heavily on Pierce, particularly on early downs and short-yardage situations.
Passing Game: Philadelphia could increase its passing attempts if the rushing attack struggles to generate consistent production.
Running Back Rotation: Steele could receive additional opportunities, while Blue could become an option if elevated from the practice squad.
Offensive Game Planning: The Eagles may need to adjust their blocking schemes and rushing concepts based on the strengths of their available running backs.
Philadelphia’s offensive line will also play an important role in helping the replacement running backs establish an effective ground game.
Philadelphia Eagles RB Depth Chart: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Eagles starting running back after Will Shipley’s injury?
Dameon Pierce is the projected starting running back if Saquon Barkley remains sidelined with his hamstring injury. Barkley remains Philadelphia’s RB1 when healthy.
How long will Will Shipley be out?
Shipley reportedly suffered a partial plantar fascia tear and could miss multiple games. An official return date has not been established.
Is Saquon Barkley playing?
Barkley’s availability remains uncertain because of a hamstring injury. His status will depend on his recovery and the Eagles’ upcoming injury reports.
Who is the Eagles backup running back?
Carson Steele is projected to serve as a backup behind Dameon Pierce if Barkley and Shipley remain unavailable.
Is Jaydon Blue on the Eagles roster?
Jaydon Blue is listed on Philadelphia’s practice squad and could be elevated if the team needs additional running back depth.
Is Tank Bigsby injured?
Yes. Bigsby is on injured reserve after undergoing surgery for a core muscle injury.
Final Thoughts: Eagles Running Back Situation Heading Into Week 7
The Philadelphia Eagles could face significant challenges in their running back rotation following Will Shipley’s injury.
With Saquon Barkley recovering from a hamstring issue and Tank Bigsby on injured reserve, Philadelphia’s available options have become increasingly limited.
Dameon Pierce currently appears to be the most likely replacement starter, while Carson Steele could take on an expanded role.
Jaydon Blue is another player to watch if Philadelphia decides to elevate him from the practice squad.
The biggest factor moving forward will be Barkley’s health. If the Eagles’ starting running back returns, Philadelphia’s backfield could stabilize quickly.
Until then, Pierce and Steele may be responsible for keeping the Eagles’ rushing attack productive as the team moves deeper into the 2026 NFL season.
Injury information and depth-chart projections are based on the reports discussed above and have not been independently reverified for this article.