Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman made two key additions at running back this offseason. Following the expected departure of former starter Miles Sanders in free agency, Roseman signed Rashaad Penny and then traded for D’Andre Swift.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has shown that he doesn’t mind using a rotation at running back at times. Yet, Sanders was clearly the leading rusher in Philadelphia during Sirianni’s first two seasons as a head coach. Who will fill that role at RB1 next season?
Philadelphia Eagles RB Depth Chart
- Rashaad Penny
- D’Andre Swift
- Kenneth Gainwell
- Boston Scott
- Trey Sermon
- Kennedy Brooks
Philadelphia certainly has talent at running back, but there are plenty of questions as well. While Rashaad Penny and D’Andre Swift are clearly the most talented players on the depth chart, they both struggle to stay healthy. If healthy, Penny will likely earn the RB1 job next season.
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Swift thrives on passing downs as a receiving threat out of the backfield. He will surely provide Jalen Hurts, Sirianni, and offensive coordinator Brian Johnson with a new weapon to work with. Assuming he stays healthy, Swift will, in all likelihood, lead Philadelphia’s backfield in receptions next season.
Kenneth Gainwell could be the most intriguing player in Philadelphia’s backfield heading into training camp. In the postseason, Gainwell had an impressive three-game stretch, as he led the Eagles with 181 rushing yards during their run to the Super Bowl. It will be interesting to see if he rides that momentum into next season.
Which RB Will Earn the Final Roster Spot?
While it’s safe to assume that Penny, Swift, and Gainwell all have roster spots locked up in Philadelphia, the same cannot be said for the remaining three running backs on their depth chart. Boston Scott is the likely leader for the final roster spot, but his usage was at an all-time low last season.
Trey Sermon is certainly worth watching for that final roster spot as well. Philadelphia claimed him from the San Francisco 49ers after final cuts and kept him on the active roster, despite rarely having him suit up on game day. The Eagles went out of their way to keep him around, so Sermon is clearly a young player that they’re intrigued by.
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Kennedy Brooks signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent and spent most of last season on the practice squad. Brooks likely won’t make Philadelphia’s final roster, but he could be a practice-squad candidate once again. He also fits the mold as a former college teammate of Hurts, which has apparently become a prerequisite to be on the Eagles’ roster.
