The Eagles are placing running back Miles Sanders on injured reserve because of an ankle injury, according to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Sanders injured his ankle during the team’s Week 7 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders and did not return to the game. He will now be forced to miss at least the team’s next three games and is eligible to return in Week 11 against the New Orleans Saints.
There was some hope that Sanders had a minor injury and may only miss a game or two, but the injury is apparently serious enough to sideline him for three weeks. According to Rapoport, Sanders should be back once he is eligible to return and is not expected to need additional time to recover.
Running Back Depth Chart
With Miles Sanders missing time, the Eagles will likely turn to a timeshare between rookie Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, and Jordan Howard, who is currently on the practice squad but can be elevated or promoted. Gainwell figures to see the majority of the time, especially in pass-catching situations, but the team may opt to use Scott and/or Howard in more of a traditional running back role.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has frequently abandoned the running game this season, much to the chagrin of the team’s fanbase. Ironically, he seemed to be featuring Sanders early in last week’s game prior to the injury. With Sanders now out, it is perhaps even more unlikely that Sirianni leans on the running game, though quarterback Jalen Hurts does contribute to the running game frequently.
The Eagles do not have any other running backs on the active roster, but Jason Huntley is also on the team’s practice squad.
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Mike Maher is the editor and publisher of The Birds Blitz and Juiced Ball Era. Follow him on Twitter @mikeMaher and @TheBirdsBlitz and check out his Eagles news archive for all of his latest stories about the Eagles and the NFL.
