5 arguments for the Eagles giving Kenneth Gainwell more snaps at WR
By Hunter Doyle
Should the Philadelphia Eagles deploy Kenneth Gainwell at wide receiver?
With Jordan Howard likely out this upcoming week versus the New York Giants, Gainwell should be the RB3. Philadelphia is currently lacking a third weapon through the air behind DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert. Quez Watkins has had his moments and likely has a role moving forward like Gainwell, but right now, he seems to be more of a decoy taking multiple defenders deep to open up the short and intermediate pass game as well as the run.
Jalen Reagor might not deserve all of the criticism he receives. That’s been evident at times this season and last season, but let’s not pretend that he’s producing. He simply hasn’t been the WR3 this team needs him to be right now. Honestly, he looked better in 2020.
If the Eagles made the decision to place Gainwell ahead of him on the kick and punt return depth charts, that may not be a bad decision. Maybe J.J. Arcega-Whiteside builds off of his key catch to help seal the game versus the Saints but that seems highly unlikely. Greg Ward Jr. might need more reps as we mentioned. He has had his fair share of moments at the back end of the past two seasons.
The best option might not be within the wide receiver room. Many fans and analysts have suggested that Gainwell could be the remedy to the problem. Here are a few reasons why it could work.