Shipley takes six carries in Barkley’s absence

The Eagles will drop their official injury report later today, but this can be chalked up as a DNP for Barkley. He was already considered week-to-week after suffering a hamstring injury on Sunday, so today’s DNP doesn’t come as a surprise. He is a long-shot to play in Week 5. With Tank Bigsby on IR, Will Shipley will lead the backfield versus Jacksonville. He profiles as a low-end RB3.

Pierce will probably operate as the team’s No. 2 back behind Will Shipley this week against the Jaguars, one of the league’s best rush defenses. Tank Bigsby and Saquon Barkley are sidelined, leaving the Eagles scraping bottom for backfield depth. Look for Pierce to get some early-down work against the Jaguars. Shipley, who had six carries for 23 yards last week, is the only viable fantasy option of the two, though head coach Nick Sirianni heaped praise on Pierce Wednesday. “He’s an NFL starting running back,” Sirriani said of Pierce. “Maybe wouldn’t have said that when he was on our practice squad publicly, because of the fear of losing him. But he’s an NFL starting running back.”

Rapoport reports there are hopes that Bigsby will be back “in six weeks or shorter.” The 24-year-old back will be required to miss at least four games now that he’s headed for an IR stint. With Saquon Barkley (hamstring) also at risk of missing at least one game, third-string RB Will Shipley could be in line for a busy day in Week 5 against the Jaguars. Shipley rushed six times for 23 yards in Sunday’s loss to the Rams, but could be a sneaky option in PPR leagues given his pass-catching profile during his days at Clemson, when he caught 85 passes over three seasons. It also wouldn’t be surprising if Dameon Pierce or Jaydon Blue were promoted off the practice squad and saw early down touches while Shipley serves in more of a third-down role. There’s a lot to figure out here over the next few days.

It’s a surprising twist after Shipley missed both of the first two practices of the week; he got in a full session today and seems likely to be more involved as a pass-catcher with DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert down. Even with that, he’ll struggle to find FLEX value against the Rams.

Shipley is unlikely to be meaningfully involved if he ends up being active on Sunday. The Eagles’ RB3 is firmly in the questionable camp though.

Shipley was limited by his foot issue in Week 3, and received just two targets in the passing game with no carries. With Tank Bigsby a full-go during Wednesday’s estimated session, Shipley is looking at a limited amount of touches even if he can go in Week 4.

Shipley now has a chance to suit up on Monday night against the Bears. With starting RB Saquon Barkley (stinger) and RB2 Tank Bigsby (abdomen) also practicing, Shipley may not get any work, even if he is active.

Shipley totaled nine touches last week, with RB Saquon Barkley dealing with a stinger. Apparently, he picked up a foot injury along the way. Shipley does not need to be rostered in 12-team leagues.

Earlier this week, Bigsby was a candidate to start in Week 3 against the Bears, with RB Saquon Barkley (stinger) set for an MRI. Barkley’s imaging went well, and he was back at practice in a limited capacity today. Bigsby remains a worthwhile bench stash, but he should no longer be viewed as a Week 3 contributor in fantasy lineups.

Shipley was the Eagles’ clear No. 3 back in what ended up a season-ending loss. Originally ticketed for No. 2 duties this season, Shipley’s insurance back life grew more complicated when Tank Bigsby arrived in a Week 2 trade. Although the move seemed to have as much to do with Bigsby’s special teams prowess as anything else, Shipley ended up getting out-touched 61-23 behind Saquon Barkley. Heading into the third year of his rookie contract, Shipley is still only 23 years old, but his dynasty league future is not looking particularly bright.