Eagles: Miles Sanders leaves Week 7 game with apparent ankle injury

Perhaps the worst news that can be delivered on any game day is news that relates to an injury. The Philadelphia Eagles got off to that hot start that we all clamored for thanks to a touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts to Kenneth Gainwell, but things stalled after that. One would have to wonder if the injury to Miles Sanders has a lot to do with that being the case.

Sanders had gotten off to a very good start. He had racked up 30 yards on six carries to help jumpstart an Eagles rushing attack that had been M.I.A. more often than not over the course of Philly’s first six games (minus a Jalen Hurts scramble here or there), but unfortunately, following a tackle from Las Vegas Raiders middle linebacker Denzel Perryman, he was helped off of the field, into the medical tent, and wound up leaving on a cart.

Here’s a shot of his exit and an update from the Eagles’ official Twitter account.

What do the Eagles do now in Miles Sanders’ absence?

As most of you know, the Philadelphia Eagles entered the 2021 regular season with only three running backs on the active roster, a strategy that they’ve stuck with and employed through the first seven weeks of the campaign.

In Sanders’ absence, the onus of helping head coach Nick Sirianni stick with the run falls on the aforementioned rookie, second-stringer Kenneth Gainwell, and the forgotten Boston Scott. Heading into Week 7, Scott had gotten no work, and many believed that he didn’t have the confidence of his coach and offensive coordinator, Shane Steichen.

On the season, heading into Week 7, Gainwell had tallied 100 yards on 21 carries and another 123 yards on 15 receptions. Prior to his TD reception versus Las Vegas, his other two scores had come via the run as he had reached the end zone twice as a rusher.

It’s his show now. Let’s hope he’s ready. He had been labeled as a ‘steal’ after Philly landed him in Round 5 of the most recent NFL Draft after many thought he’d be taken a little higher.

Update: Shortly after the third quarter began, Miles Sanders was downgraded.