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D'Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny add unique skills to the backfield  

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The Eagles' backfield will have a fresh look and feel going into the 2023 season. The run game ranked third in the NFL last season, and it has the chance to be even better this year. New additions D'Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny will add plenty of versatility to an already strong offense.   

Entering his fourth year in the league, D'Andre Swift was acquired via trade on April 29. Rashaad Penny, a five-year veteran, was added in free agency, signing a one-year contract on March 15. The two backs join a running back room with Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott, Trey Sermon, and Kennedy Brooks.   

Swift is returning to a familiar place – The City of Brotherly Love. The Philadelphia native attended St. Joseph's Prep in North Philadelphia before playing at Georgia.  

"It feels great to be back home," Swift said. "It is a blessing. This is a great opportunity to join a great organization."   

Swift will make history this season, becoming the first Eagle to wear the No. 0 in a game. This comes after a rule change this offseason from the NFL, allowing players to wear the No. 0 for the first time since 1972.  

"That was the best number available," Swift said. "Being from here, nobody had ever worn it, so I thought that was cool."  

Swift made his presence known during his first few practices at Training Camp, especially on Day 3. Swift gave fans a chance to see his ability in the passing game, connecting with Jalen Hurts on a wheel route. The running back made a terrific catch while falling near the sideline. He also saw action in the run game with a few dazzling rushes.  

The pair has already connected well during Training Camp.  

"The chemistry has been great," Swift said. "It is great because Jalen [Hurts] brings an element of the game that a natural quarterback does not do."  

Swift is known for his versatility in the backfield. During his three seasons with the Detroit Lions, he hauled in seven receiving touchdowns and amassed 1,198 receiving yards. Swift added 1,680 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground in the Motor City.

The Philadelphia native is just one of many talented running backs on display at Training Camp. Another new Eagle, Rashaad Penny, is getting his first look in a new system.  

"The system is coming to me day by day," Penny said. "I am enjoying it; it is all about being comfortable and getting back to playing football." 

Penny spent the first five years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks. While injuries have limited his playing time, when he is on the field, he is efficient with his opportunities. During his time with Seattle, Penny rushed for 1,918 yards and 13 touchdowns. Penny leads all NFL running backs in yards per carry (6.2) and 30-plus-yard rushing touchdowns (5) since 2021.  

With a mix of youth and experience, all members of the Eagles' running back corps have unique skills to offer. For Penny, playing in a crowded backfield is something he looks forward to doing.  

"We all have really great and different skill sets," Penny said. "I am happy to be a part of it. The running backs can do a lot, everyone knows the value we bring to the team."   

As he settles into a new team and city, Penny turns to his cousin and former Eagle, Donnel Pumphrey, for advice. The pair talk daily, and Penny is staying at the same place his cousin did when with the Eagles.  

Swift and Penny are making strides every day to learn a new system, jell with new teammates, and impress their new fans.

Check out the running backs on the Eagles' roster heading into Training Camp, presented by Independence Blue Cross. Players are listed in numerical order.

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