The Philadelphia Eagles' running back situation is one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2026 season. After a historic Super Bowl run in 2024, where Saquon Barkley set an NFL record for combined regular-season and postseason rushing yards (2,504), the offense sputtered in 2025. Barkley's production dipped, and while the team still finished with a winning record, the explosive ground game that defined their championship season was missing. Now, with a revamped offensive scheme, a healthy offensive line, and the addition of Tank Bigsby as a reliable backup, the Eagles are poised to answer three critical questions about their running back corps.
How Can Saquon Barkley Have a Bounce-Back Season?
Barkley's 2025 season was average by his standards. He rushed for 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns, but his yards per carry fell from 5.8 to 4.1. Advanced metrics paint an even starker picture: his success rate of 45.0% ranked 41st among NFL running backs, his yards before contact per rush (1.36) were 24th, and his yards after contact per rush (2.71) were 38th out of 49 qualified rushers. He also had a negative rush percentage of 24.3%, the third highest in the league. These numbers suggest that Barkley was often hit behind the line of scrimmage and struggled to create after contact.
So, what can Barkley do to return to his 2024 form? The key factors are scheme and health. The Eagles are shifting to a more outside-zone-heavy offense, which suits Barkley's vision and acceleration. In 2024, Barkley thrived in a scheme that allowed him to stretch runs laterally and burst through cutback lanes. A healthier offensive line is also crucial. Left guard Landon Dickerson, center Cam Jurgens, and right tackle Lane Johnson missed significant time in 2025. When these three are healthy, Barkley averages nearly a full yard more per carry. Additionally, Barkley faced an eight-man box on 31.1% of his carries — 13th highest in the NFL — and averaged only 3.5 yards per carry in those situations. With a better blocking unit and more outside zone runs, Barkley can punish stacked boxes by bouncing runs to the perimeter. If the line stays intact, a 1,500-yard season is within reach.
Barkley's age (29 next season) and workload are also factors. He has logged over 1,800 touches in his career, but he remains explosive. The Eagles will likely manage his carries to keep him fresh for the postseason, but Barkley has shown he can carry a heavy load. His success will also depend on the passing game keeping defenses honest. With star wide receivers and a capable quarterback, the Eagles can prevent defenses from loading the box on every down. Improved play-action off the outside zone will be a weapon. Ultimately, Barkley's bounce-back depends on a combination of scheme adjustments, offensive line health, and his own determination to refine his running style.
Is Tank Bigsby Going to Have an Expanded Role?
Tank Bigsby arrived in Philadelphia after two inconsistent seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 2025, he became a pleasant surprise behind Barkley. Bigsby carried 58 times for 344 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. His role grew as the season progressed: after just one carry in his first six games, he recorded 39 carries for 176 yards and two scores over the final four games (4.5 ypc). Bigsby's success came against defenses that were focused on stopping Barkley, but he proved he can handle a bigger workload.
The question is whether Bigsby will get enough touches to matter. Barkley is the highest-paid running back in the NFL at $20.5 million per year, and the Eagles want to maximize their investment. In 2025, Barkley played 68% of offensive snaps. Bigsby saw only 18% of carries but still made an impact. In 2026, the coaching staff has indicated they want to reduce Barkley's regular-season workload to preserve him for a playoff push. Bigsby could see his carry share rise to around 25-30%, translating to roughly 8-10 carries per game. That would double his 2025 workload and keep Barkley fresh.
Bigsby's skill set complements Barkley well. He is a powerful runner between the tackles with surprising burst through the hole. He also improved as a pass blocker in 2025, making him viable on third downs. If the Eagles lean more on Bigsby in the first three quarters, Barkley can be unleashed in the fourth quarter and in critical situations. Bigsby's role could also expand if the Eagles decide to rest Barkley in blowout games or when facing weaker run defenses. The team may also use Bigsby in short-yardage situations, where his physicality can grind out tough yards. Overall, an expanded role for Bigsby not only benefits Barkley's longevity but also adds a change-of-pace dimension that defenses must respect.
However, Bigsby will need to prove he can handle a larger workload without a drop in efficiency. In 2025, his success rate (54.2%) was solid, but he benefited from facing tired defenses. In 2026, as defenses key in on him more, he will need to show he can create his own yards. The Eagles coaching staff trusts him, and the franchise sees him as a long-term piece. If Bigsby continues to develop, he could become one of the best No. 2 backs in the league.
Will the Eagles Carry Four Running Backs This Year?
In 2025, the Eagles kept four running backs on the active roster: Barkley, Bigsby, Will Shipley, and AJ Dillon. Dillon played only seven games and had just 12 carries for 60 yards, with no touches after Week 6. His presence essentially wasted a roster spot that could have been used elsewhere. Heading into 2026, the team is unlikely to repeat that mistake. The battle for the third running back spot — and whether a fourth is necessary — is a key roster decision.
Will Shipley, a 2024 fourth-round pick, is the frontrunner for RB3. He showed promise as a pass catcher and kick returner in limited action. Behind Shipley, the Eagles have veterans Dameon Pierce (formerly of the Texans) and Elijah Mitchell (a 49ers draft pick with injury history). Both are likely competing for a practice squad spot or an emergency activation role. The team also drafted rookie Uar Bernard in the seventh round, who of Projected as a developmental back who may be stashed on injured reserve or the practice squad.
The main argument for carrying four running backs is depth and special teams. Shipley is a core special teams player as a punt and kick returner. A fourth back could serve as a kickoff coverage guy or a blocker on return units. However, the Eagles have other positions — such as defensive line and secondary — where roster depth is thin. Historically, teams that keep four running backs often do so only when one is a clear special teamer. Given that Shipley already fills that role, a fourth back would be redundant unless he is a significantly better option than a younger player at another position.
Ultimately, the Eagles will likely enter the season with three running backs on the active roster: Barkley, Bigsby, and Shipley. Pierce and Mitchell will compete for a practice squad spot, and Bernard may be placed on injured reserve to red shirt for a year. This approach frees up a roster spot for a defensive back or linebacker, positions that are harder to fill mid-season. The team learned from the Dillon experiment that a fourth running back is a luxury they cannot afford. By keeping the roster lean at running back, the Eagles can allocate resources to more pressing needs while still having a dynamic trio that can carry the offense.
Source:MSN News