The Eagles’ running back room is growing more barren by the week.
During what eventually was a 19-17 loss to the Jaguars in London, running back Will Shipley, who started in place of Saquon Barkley (hamstring), suffered a partial tear of his plantar fascia and exited during the second quarter on Sunday.
It could sideline him for multiple weeks, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday.
With that new reality and backup Tank Bigsby already on IR, the Eagles’ running back injuries are piling up fast.
On Sunday, fourth-stringer Dameon Pierce and Shipley combined for 20 yards on 16 carries. The latter scored a touchdown in the first half to put the Eagles on the board.
The team will be forced to turn to Pierce and 23-year-old fifth-stringer Carson Steele.
Following a Week 4 loss to the Rams, the Eagles were down nine starters — and that was before veteran leader Lane Johnson retired midweek, citing mental health reasons.
By Monday, the Philadelphia added four more injuries — offensive lineman Tyler Steen (shoulder), defensive back Michael Carter II (abdomen), linebacker Jalyx Hunt (ankle, knee) and Shipley. The latter three were ruled out in-game.
At one point while on offense, the Eagles played with just one member of their Day 1 offensive line on Sunday, per The Athletic.
The offensive side of the ball is where Philadelphia needs the most help, as their defense impressed against the Jags and kept them in the game with several goal-line stops.
The Eagles rank only ahead of the 0-5 Titans in total net yards per game (262.2), sit 28th in passing yards per game (170.6) and 22nd in rushing yards per game (91.6).
They have not scored a second-half touchdown since their Week 2 win over the Titans.
It’s the Eagles’ first season under offensive coordinator Sean Mannion. It is also quarterback Jalen Hurts’ sixth OC in seven years in the NFL.
With the game on the line, Hurts led his offense down the field for a successful field goal to take a 17-16 lead. However, the Eagles left eight seconds on the clock for the Jaguars to return the kick, which led to furious reactions on the sideline.
Jacksonville ran it back for 53 yards that set up Cam Little for a hero 57-yard field goal to win.
Nick Sirianni took blame for the decision and it’s clear the team still has much to figure out regardless of injuries.
The Eagles head home to host the Panthers in Week 6 followed by the Cowboys in Week 7.
