PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles will likely be without one of their running backs when they face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, as expected.
Running back Will Shipley did not practice on Wednesday at the NovaCare Complex after suffering a rib injury in last week’s season opener against the Cowboys.
Shipley was seen standing off to the side during the open media window, watching practice in street clothes.
Shipley is expected to miss time. But how much time is up in the air. The Eagles have not placed him on injured reserve, though that move could come later in the week.
Shipley’s injury — fractured ribs, according to a Tuesday report — is a reason why the Eagles traded for Jaguars tailback Tank Bigsby. The Eagles sent fifth-round and sixth-round picks to Jacksonville for Bigsby earlier this week.
Bigsby, the 24-year-old former third-round pick out of Auburn, is a talented back who will be under contract on his rookie deal through 2026. Bigsby, who rushed for 766 yards and seven touchdowns last year, can also contribute as a kick returner.
In the long-term, Bigsby is a worthwhile addition for the Eagles. And in the short term — or for however long Shipley is out — Bigsby and A.J. Dillon will provide cover for Saquon Barkley.
It’s an unfortunate situation for Shipley, who had put his stamp on the RB2 job behind Barkley during training camp.
The second-year back out of Clemson made an impact in the Eagles’ 24-20 win over the Cowboys, rushing for 26 yards on three first-half carries.
“He’s a really good back,” Barkley said of Shipley on the first day of training camp. “Great hands, great feet coming out of routes. He was always smart. Hate to say this, he’s probably the smartest back in the room. Kind of pisses me off how smart he is, to be honest.
“But he keeps me young, I guess you could say, because you always gotta find somebody to go out there and compete with. And he’s one of those guys, whether it’s in OTAs or whether it’s in drills or on the field, you want him to go out there and perform at a high level. Because he’s the one that’s gonna push you and make you go out there and perform, too.”
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