The Philadelphia Eagles placed running back Tank Bigsby on injured reserve Tuesday, removing another important option from a backfield already dealing with uncertainty surrounding Saquon Barkley.
The Eagles also released linebacker Anfernee Orji from the practice squad.
Bigsby was injured late in Philadelphia’s 24-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The Eagles did not disclose his injury in their transaction announcement, although multiple reports indicated that he suffered a core muscle injury and will undergo surgery.
His move to injured reserve requires him to miss at least four games.
Bigsby received an expanded role after Barkley left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. He finished with 55 yards on 14 carries, including a 19-yard
run, before needing assistance leaving the field late in the fourth quarter. Barkley’s availability for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London remains uncertain, leaving Will Shipley as the only healthy running back on Philadelphia’s active roster following the Bigsby transaction.
The Eagles have several possible reinforcements on the practice squad. Dameon Pierce, Jaydon Blue and Carson Steele could be considered for elevation or promotion before the team leaves for London. Philadelphia can temporarily elevate up to two practice-squad players for the game.
Bigsby’s absence removes a physical early-down option who had begun receiving a larger workload behind Barkley. He also offered familiarity with Jacksonville after spending the first two seasons of his career with the Jaguars.
Orji joined Philadelphia’s practice squad in September. His release gives the Eagles an opportunity to address their depleted backfield or another injury-affected position before departing for London.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles place Tank Bigsby on injured reserve amid backfield injuries
