Eagles' Shipley exits London game with foot injury, leaving Pierce as sole starter

Key points

• Will Shipley was listed as questionable to return after a carry in the second quarter but ultimately exited the game, leaving the locker room after visiting the medical tent.
• Dameon Pierce, recently promoted from the practice squad, is now the primary running back for the Eagles, having rushed 11 times for 14 yards in the loss.
• Saquon Barkley remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Tank Bigsby is on injured reserve following core muscle surgery.
• Carson Steele is the only other running back on the active roster, though he did not see any offensive snaps during the game.
• Head coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating the loss would 'stick with me' and that he felt he 'let everyone down'.

Background

The Eagles have faced significant backfield instability since the start of the season. Saquon Barkley suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4, and Tank Bigsby was placed on injured reserve after core muscle surgery. Will Shipley, who had been the primary starter in Barkley’s absence, also dealt with a foot issue in Week 3 but returned for Week 4. The current situation leaves the team with minimal depth, as Dameon Pierce was only activated to the active roster earlier this week after failing to make the final August cut.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports and CBS Sports reported that Shipley was initially questionable to return but ultimately did not re-enter the game. Bleacher Report emphasized the fantasy implications, noting that Pierce is unlikely to be a must-add on the waiver wire due to his limited production and the Eagles’ offensive line issues. All sources agree that the Eagles’ backfield is severely depleted, with Carson Steele being the only other active option. The outlets differ slightly in their assessment of Pierce’s potential, with Bleacher Report cautioning against adding him, while NBC Sports notes his efficiency in the game was poor.

Why it matters

The injury to Will Shipley exacerbates the Eagles’ backfield crisis, forcing them to rely on Dameon Pierce, a player with limited NFL experience. This could impact the team’s offensive performance and fantasy football value. The situation also highlights the broader issues with the Eagles’ offensive line, which has been weakened by the retirement of Lane Johnson and the injury to Landon Dickerson. The loss in London, which head coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged as a significant setback, may have long-term implications for the team’s season.

What to watch

The Eagles will face the Carolina Panthers in Week 6, where Dameon Pierce is expected to take over the lead running back role if Shipley and Barkley remain out. The team will need to evaluate the effectiveness of their current backfield and potentially make further roster moves to address their depth issues. The outcome of the Week 6 game will be crucial in determining the direction of the Eagles’ season.