Who Should I Start? A.J. Dillon or Will Shipley

Wednesday, July 23, 9:39 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back AJ Dillon was seen taking first team reps during the first day of training camp on Wednesday. It's only the beginning of camp, but it is interesting to see Dillon getting first team snaps over Will Shipley. Dillon was brought in on a one-year deal this offseason to replace Kenneth Gainwell who departed in free agency. Dillon did not play last season due to a neck injury, but appears to be at full health again. He posted three seasons with 600 rushing yards or more during his time with the Green Bay Packers. The 27-year-old is certainly capable of being a viable backup to Saquon Barkley. Neither Dillon nor Shipley figure to have weekly value with Barkley healthy, but both could be on the radar if Barkley ever misses time. Whoever wins the backup job could be a solid stash option.

Wednesday, September 17, 3:29 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley (oblique) remains out of practice on Wednesday as the team begins preparations for Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. Shipley suffered an oblique injury in the season-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys and was inactive for the Week 2 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl rematch. Since the 23-year-old's injury in Week 1, the Eagles went out and acquired Tank Bigsby in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars for additional backfield depth behind starter Saquon Barkley. In addition to Bigsby, Philly also has AJ Dillon as an option at the position, so when Shipley is healthy enough to return to the field, he figures to take on a smaller role as a change-of-pace option behind Barkley.