Depending on what happens at practice over the next two days, the Eagles could be down to Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele at running back Sunday, but Carolina’s struggling run defense gives Philadelphia an opportunity to repair a ground game that stalled in London.
Saquon Barkley remained sidelined Wednesday, listed as a nonparticipant because of the hamstring injury that kept him out against Jacksonville. Will Shipley was also listed as a nonparticipant with a foot injury after ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported a partial tear of his plantar fascia and that he could miss multiple weeks. With Tank Bigsby on injured reserve, Philadelphia’s depth has become a pressing concern.
The matchup offers an opening. Carolina has allowed 626 rushing yards in four
games, averaging 156.5 per game and 5.4 per carry. Those numbers give offensive coordinator Sean Mannion a reason to keep working toward a functional rushing attack, even if Barkley remains unavailable. Pierce would be positioned for a larger workload if Barkley cannot play. He carried 11 times for 14 yards against Jacksonville, part of a team performance that produced just 22 rushing yards on 18 attempts in the 19-17 loss.
Steele represents another option, although an offensive role would be a change from London. He got all 20 of his snaps against Jacksonville on special teams. Mannion said Tuesday that the team was considering using Steele as a lead blocker, praising his versatility without confirming a specific role.
That leaves the Eagles evaluating how to divide carries, handle passing-down responsibilities, and potentially use Steele to help create room for another runner. Pierce and Steele are available options, but the coaching staff has not announced a workload split. Barkley’s return would change that calculation, though Wednesday’s absence left his availability unresolved. Until he participates more, Philadelphia needs a workable plan built around the backs who are practicing.
The blocking must improve alongside the rotation. Carolina’s season averages offer encouragement, but the Eagles still need to execute well enough to turn a favorable matchup into productive early-down carries.
After three straight losses and three straight NFC East games, Philadelphia needs its rushing attack to sustain possessions and ease the burden on Jalen Hurts. Sunday’s opponent offers a chance for a depleted backfield to help with that reset.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles' RB crisis collides with Panthers' vulnerable run defense
