Eagles Running Back Depth Decimated by Will Shipley Injury

The Philadelphia Eagles' running back situation has become increasingly dire with the injury to Will Shipley. Shipley suffered a partial tear of his plantar fascia during the team's 19-17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Sunday. The injury is expected to sideline him for multiple weeks, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

This latest setback compounds the team's existing issues at the running back position. Saquon Barkley is already sidelined with a hamstring injury, and backup Tank Bigsby is on injured reserve. Shipley's injury leaves the Eagles with Dameon Pierce and 23-year-old Carson Steele as their primary running back options.

In the game against the Jaguars, Pierce and Shipley combined for just 20 yards on 16 carries. Shipley managed to score a touchdown in the first half, but his departure left the team further shorthanded.

The Eagles' roster has been significantly impacted by injuries beyond just the running back group. Following a Week 4 loss, the team was already missing nine starters. The situation worsened with the mid-week retirement of veteran offensive lineman Lane Johnson, who cited mental health reasons.

By Monday, the Eagles added four more players to their injury report: offensive lineman Tyler Steen (shoulder), defensive back Michael Carter II (abdomen), linebacker Jalyx Hunt (ankle, knee), and Shipley. The latter three were ruled out during their game against the Jaguars.

Reports indicated that at one point during the offense's performance on Sunday, only one member of the team's initial offensive line was on the field. The offensive side of the ball has been a particular area of concern for Philadelphia, despite the defense's efforts against the Jaguars, which included several goal-line stands.

Offensively, the Eagles rank 29th in total net yards per game (262.2), 28th in passing yards per game (170.6), and 22nd in rushing yards per game (91.6). The team has not scored a second-half touchdown since their Week 2 victory over the Tennessee Titans.

This marks the Eagles' first season with Sean Mannion as offensive coordinator, and it is quarterback Jalen Hurts' seventh offensive coordinator in seven NFL seasons.

In the closing moments of the game against Jacksonville, Hurts led the offense down the field for a go-ahead field goal, giving the Eagles a 17-16 lead with little time remaining. However, the decision to kick off deep, leaving eight seconds on the clock, allowed the Jaguars to return the kick 53 yards, setting up a game-winning 57-yard field goal.

Head coach Nick Sirianni took responsibility for the late-game decision. The team faces the Carolina Panthers in Week 6 and the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7 as they return home.