The Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots held their first joint practice of the two-day event, but it didn't quite go as planned.
Every reporter agreed the Patriots beat the Eagles in practice. Still, the Eagles were far from having a bad day of work for them. They got good production in the running game and got some nice pressure from the defensive line.
One standout from the Eagles' practice caught everyone off guard. It was a guy who has struggled throughout his career and now might be trending in the right direction.
Will Shipley put everyone on notice at Eagles-Patriots joint practice
SportsRadio 94 WIP's Eliot Shorr-Parks gave Shipley a shoutout on an X post, calling him the player of the day. Shorr-Parks detailed the great day of work from Shipley against the Patriots.
"Will Shipley got some unexpectedly great opportunities on Wednesday vs. the Patriots and he made the most of them
Shipley looked awesome running the ball as he got the majority of the RB2 carries with the first-team offense. Part of the reason Shipley got those carries is likely because Tank Bigsby is dealing with a toe injury, but whatever the reason, Shipley helped his stock.
Shipley’s best play of the day was a reception from Jalen Hurts on a wheel route. Hurts had pressure in his face but made the right read (on what seemed like a good play call) and found Shipley streaking down the right sideline for what was probably a 60ish yard gain. Shipley had good speed on the play but he was just caught from behind before breaking free for the final few yards for the touchdown.
Shipley came into camp probably needing to earn a roster spot and not locked into a role. Wednesday’s practice might have been enough to ensure he will be on the team."
The Eagles selected Shipley in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, where he was seen as the future number two running back to Saquon Barkley. Things haven't quite worked out the way the former Clemson back had envisioned.
In two seasons with the Eagles, Shipley ran for 131 yards on 44 carries, while also catching 13 passes for 91 yards in 31 games. His most memorable moment was when he scored a rushing touchdown in the NFC Championship game against the Washington Commanders to seal the blowout win in 2024.
Shipley has been able to find a role on special teams as a returner, but that came with mixed performances. Last year, he had a bad fumble on the opening kickoff of the first Commanders game.
Entering training camp, Shipley was facing a ton of pressure to perform well, with Dameon Pierce and Elijah Mitchell brought in to push him for the RB3 role. After Mitchell's season-ending injury and Pierce also missing time due to injury, Shipley seems to be in firm control of the job.
The good thing Shipley is showing in practice is his ability to not only run the ball but also catch out of the backfield. His versatility has always been there, but it doesn't get nearly shown off enough.
Read more: Stats don't tell Jalen Hurts' full story at Eagles-Patriots joint practice
This might have been the turning point Shipley needed in his career to get more touches and show that he can be a reliable NFL running back. It may just be one practice, but he is heading in the right direction that the Eagles have been waiting for him to take for a long time.
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