The Philadelphia Eagles report to the Jefferson Health Training Complex for the start of 2026 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 28th. Over the next few weeks, PhiladelphiaEagles.com will get you ready by previewing the top storylines at each position. Today, a look at the running back position, featuring 2024 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley.
Did you Know?
Since 2022, Saquon Barkley is second in the NFL in rushing yards per game (87.4), only behind Derrick Henry of the Ravens (92.9).
Returning Starter
Unsurprisingly, Saquon Barkley enters Training Camp as the primary back. The All-Pro superstar is a season removed from leading the NFL in rushing yards. Last season, Barkley became the first Eagle in over a decade to record back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons – the last being LeSean McCoy in 2013-14.
The former Penn State Nittany Lion continued his success against rival NFC East teams last year. In Week 16 against Washington, Barkley rushed for his fourth 100+ game against the Commanders since joining the Eagles. His 2025 season-high rushing yards in a game (150) came against the New York Giants in Week 8.
In the Mix
Will Shipley and Tank Bigsby return for another season with the Eagles. Selected by the Eagles in the fourth-round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Shipley was primarily used for his kickoff return abilities in 2025, returning 29 kicks for 777 yards in 2025.
At Clemson, Shipley finished top 10 in total touchdowns, rushing touchdowns, 100+ rushing games, all-purpose yards, and kickoff return yards for the Tigers. Shipley's first career NFL touchdown came in grand fashion, scoring against the Commanders in the NFC Championship Game on the Eagles' way to the Super Bowl LIX trophy.
Bigsby was acquired in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars before Week 2 of last season. The 2023 third-round pick finished 2025 for the Eagles with 63 carries for 356 rushing yards and two touchdowns. In the same game that Barkley rushed for 150 yards against the Giants, Bigsby himself recorded a season-high 104 yards rushing on only nine carries.
Bigsby impressed with 5.7 yards per carry last season. Fans who have grown accustomed to the former Auburn Tiger wearing number 37 will see Bigsby wear number eight on his jersey this Training Camp as he changed his number this offseason.
New to the Nest
The first addition to the Eagles' running back room was actually not a running back at all. In January, the Eagles signed fullback Carson Steele to a future/reserves contract after the Ball State and UCLA product was released from the Chiefs' practice squad. Last season, the Eagles carried a fullback, Ben VanSumeren, on their opening 53-man roster. However, VanSumeren was injured during the opening kickoff of Week 1. Tight end Cameron Latu saw snaps at fullback in VanSumeren's absence.
Standing at six feet tall, Steele saw action for Kansas City on offense and special teams during his rookie year in 2024. The Indiana native rushed for more than 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns over his collegiate career, being named to Bruce Feldman's "Freaks List" of college football players twice.
In free agency, the Eagles signed former Florida Gator Dameon Pierce, whose most productive season was as a rookie in 2022, recording 939 yards and four touchdowns through 13 games.
The 5-foot-10, 215-pound Pierce ran for 416 yards in 2023 and 293 yards in 2024, setting a career high with 176 rushing yards in Week 18 of 2024. Pierce saw limited action in 2025, playing 28 snaps on offense between his time for the Texans and Chiefs.
Pierce will be competing with a veteran presence for a roster spot: Elijah Mitchell. The 2021 sixth-round pick was just signed in June after trying out at Eagles' Rookie Camp. During the 2023 season, Mitchell played a part in the 49ers defeating the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship, scoring a touchdown in the comeback win.
Through four years in San Fransico, Mitchell accumulated 1,523 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground through 27 games. The former first-team All-Sun Belt running back only saw action in one game for the Chiefs in 2025 before signing with the Patriots' practice squad.
Bird Call
Saquon Barkley: "I'm always going to have the mindset of putting the work in, whether it's physically or mentally, whether it's strength, whether it's speed, mobility, all those things that I need to improve as a player. You know, I'm going to have that same mindset whether I'm 29, whether I'm 21, or if I'm 33."
Storylines to Follow
How will the new blocking and offensive scheme affect Saquon Barkley's game? ... Will the Eagles implement a fullback in their rushing and passing attack? What does a player like Carson Steele look like in the Eagles' offense? ... Who will emerge as the change-of-pace back behind Barkley? ... How involved will Tank Bigsby be in the offense entering his fourth year in the league? ... Can Mitchell or Pierce find a way to stand out in the loaded running back room?
How Many Made the Initial 53 in 2025: 4
- Written by Caroline Connor
