Philadelphia Eagles preseason: Evaluating a difficult decision at RB

The Philadelphia Eagles have difficult choices ahead and must find the balance between winning now and retaining young developing players.

We’ve known Donnel Pumphrey and Boston Scott won’t make this team for a while, but a long offseason has forced the Philadelphia Eagles to make some difficult decisions.  Will the Eagles keep five running backs?  If so, who will win that fifth spot? Is there any chance the Eagles would consider cutting Darren Sproles? How much would Wendell Smallwood have to show to take his roster spot?

Pumphrey may have a tiny lead over Scott so far this pre-season, but the value of both is really limited to what we know they may be capable of on special teams. Pumphrey has some ability, and the Eagles shouldn’t give up on him yet.

Doug Pederson hinted Scott could replace Sproles. Of course, that was prior to the re-signing of Sproles. One interesting note, however, is this. Scott’s produced three more yards rushing with one fewer rushing attempt through two games so far this preseason.

Prior to the joint practices, Corey Clement‘s position could have even been questioned, but he’s returned to practice and looks like he’s back to his 2017 form. He may even be better.

There may be some outside shot that the Eagles are questioning their decision to keep Sproles, but it isn’t likely. He’s getting older. There’s no guarantee that he is or isn’t the same back. There will be questions about whether or not he has lost a step and whether or not he’s the electrifying home-run hitting running back he once was.

It’s true that he’s proven, and even though he’s the old man now, he can be trusted to run with intelligence, ball security, and efficiency. No one expects him to get a ton of rushing attempts, and his role in the passing game may also be diminished.

These next two preseason games are full of exciting matchups across multiple positions. There are a ton of guys battling for their shot to make the Eagles final 53-man roster.

It’s likely that a few other teams are watching the development of these Eagles players closely, and some of the guys who are left off of the final Eagles roster may have the opportunity to be claimed by other teams. There will be both easy and difficult decisions. If the first two weeks are any indication, they’re already making a few.