Eagles seek running back depth to manage Barkley’s workload for 2026
Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion evaluates Travis Etienne Jr., Will Shipley, Dameon Pierce, and Carson Steele as candidates to share the load ahead of the new season.
The Philadelphia Eagles are prioritising the management of Saquon Barkley’s workload ahead of the 2026 season, viewing the competition for the second running back role as a strategic necessity rather than a contingency plan. Following Barkley’s 2025 campaign, where he recorded 1,140 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 280 carries, the organisation is seeking a reliable partner to mitigate injury risk and maintain his explosiveness. This approach follows a 2024 championship season in which Barkley handled 482 touches, underscoring the need for a sustainable distribution of carries.
Offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is evaluating a group of candidates to fill this role, with a focus on utilising specific players in defined situations rather than imposing a strict carry limit on the starter. The strategy involves identifying moments where another runner can handle a series, protect a lead, or absorb short-yardage contact, ensuring Barkley remains fresh for critical moments in December and January.
Travis Etienne Jr., referred to as Bigsby in the source material, is considered the favourite for the primary backup position. After joining Philadelphia last season, he rushed for 356 yards and two touchdowns on 63 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per attempt. His effectiveness was evident in a matchup against the New York Giants, where he rushed for 104 yards on nine carries while Barkley produced 150 yards, demonstrating the team’s ability to sustain an explosive attack without overburdening the lead back.
Other contenders offer distinct skill sets to support the offence. Will Shipley, a former fourth-round pick, provides versatility as a receiver and kickoff returner, allowing for flexible personnel rotations. Dameon Pierce brings starting experience from his rookie season with the Houston Texans in 2022, when he rushed for 939 yards, though his production has declined since. Carson Steele, listed at 6-foot and 228 pounds, is positioned to compete as a fullback and short-yardage runner while contributing on special teams.
The Eagles require a trustworthy backup who can absorb meaningful snaps without forcing the offence to abandon its identity. By leveraging the power of Bigsby, the versatility of Shipley, and the physicality of Pierce and Steele, Philadelphia aims to keep its most valuable running back healthy and dangerous throughout the season.
