Tony

Hunt

Hunt’s yardage has been unimpressive at best this preseason, but he did score two touchdowns last night. He could continue to steal goal-line carries all season, which makes him a better handcuff than Correll Buckhalter for Brian Westbrook owners.

Hunt’s yards-per-carry in the preseason is microscopic, but his three goal-line carries were a great sign for his fantasy value. He punched it in from the one with the first team, indicating he may be the team’s short-yardage back over Correll Buckhalter.

Hunt is a unique player in that he could excel in short-yardage situations and on passing downs, like a much-slower Maurice Jones-Drew. It’s hard for any rookie in Eagles coach Andy Reid’s offense to get a big role, but Hunt could see 100 touches this season if all goes well.

He said this one isn’t serious and he expects to be back soon, but Buckhalter has also missed three seasons with knee injuries. Make sure he is healthy before drafting him as a Westbrook handcuff.

Nate Ilaoa is seeing some work, but not much. Hunt has shown good power and appears a lock to be third on the depth chart at worst to start the season.

The reacquisition of Reno Mahe led Hunt to be deactivated; the Eagles will go with only three active running backs. If you own Hunt in a 12-team redraft league, it’s safe to release him. Will James will start in place of Sheppard. Kevin Kolb will back up Donovan McNabb.

Hunt played behind Correll Buckhalter but showed good speed on a 17-yard burst in the third quarter. Surprisingly, fullback Jason Davis was used in short-yardage situations during the possessions Hunt was featured on. Hunt did do wonders for his previously anemic yards-per-carry average Sunday.

Buckhalter ran 10 times for 43 yards, caught a pass, and returned a kick 23 yards. He’ll begin the season ahead of rookie goal-line back Tony Hunt.

Hunt (6-2/233) is expected to give the Birds “another flavor” behind Brian Westbrook and could make Correll Buckhalter expendable this offseason or next depending on how quickly he picks up coach Andy Reid’s West Coast offense. He’s also a direct threat to Westbrook’s goal-line carries.

The seventh-round rookie was behind Correll Buckhalter and Tony Hunt on the depth chart. He could find a spot on the practice squad.