The Philadelphia Eagles are calling practice squad running back Dameon Pierce up to the active roster, according to a report from NFL insider Jeremy Fowler
.The Eagles are currently short-handed in the backfield. Saquon Barkley is expected to miss at least one game, if not multiple, due to a hamstring injury. Tank Bigsby was placed on injured reserve. Will Shipley was the only healthy running back on the roster … and he’s missed time in practice over the past few weeks due to a foot injury.
Pierce
was one of three Eagles running backs on the practice squad. The other two: preseason standout Carson Steele and former Dallas Cowboys draft pick Jaydon Blue.
Why Pierce over Steele? Pierce is clearly the more accomplished player in terms of regular season production. He also looked good early in training camp before getting banged up. He flashed again upon returning from injury.
As an added bonus, Pierce has experience returning kickoffs with a strong 32.8 career average.
At this point in time, it looks like Shipley will start at running back for the Eagles in Week 5 with Pierce rotating in. We’ll see if the team rides with just two backs or if they end up adding another to the game day roster.
The Eagles are expected to officially announce more roster moves within the next few days.
