Who Should I Start? Ameer Abdullah or Carson Steele

Friday, October 16, 1:46 PM

The Philadelphia Eagles are down three running backs, as Saquon Barkley (hamstring), Tank Bigsby (abdomen, IR) and Will Shipley (foot, IR) are all unavailable for a Week 6 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. This likely means that Carson Steele could see his first touches of the season for the depleted Philadelphia offense. Steele was activated off of the team's practice squad and signed to the 53-man roster ahead of the Eagles' Week 5 game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. However, Steele did not see any snaps on offense against the Jaguars. He did play 20 snaps on special teams, though. The Eagles don't have many options in the backfield due to the injuries, but Dameon Pierce, who played 48 snaps against Jacksonville, is expected to start. Steele should have opportunities behind Pierce on Sunday against Carolina, but what his exact role looks like is unclear. It also would not be surprising to see the Eagles sign practice squad running back Jaydon Blue to the active roster ahead of Week 6. Steele has played in 18 career games, including three starts. He has rushed 56 times for 183 yards (3.3 yards per carry) and tallied seven receptions for 26 yards. Steele has not yet scored an NFL touchdown. Steele ranks as RotoBaller's No. 72 running back for Week 6, and he is projected to accumulate 4.5 fantasy points. There is no reason to pick Steele up or add him to your lineup in standard leagues until Philadelphia's backfield picture becomes clearer.