Who Should I Start? Rico Dowdle or Tank Bigsby

Wednesday, April 8, 5:24 AM

Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby began his 2025 season as a Jacksonville Jaguar, with fantasy managers hoping he could carve out something close to a lead-back role. Those hopes were dashed early when a Week 2 trade sent him to an Eagles team that has now seen Saquon Barkley handle almost 23 opportunities per game over the past two seasons. While it became evident early that the former third-round pick was acquired largely for his work as a kick returner, those duties were eventually turned over to Will Shipley and Britain Covey, leaving Bigsby to function primarily as a change-of-pace back and as a direct backup to Barkley. While Bigsby's touches were limited, he was efficient with the work he got, averaging nearly six yards per carry and topping 100 total yards in his lone start of the season, a meaningless Week 18 game in which he also scored a touchdown. Heading into 2026, his role remains unchanged, but his value as an insurance back makes him a must-roster player in dynasty and even deeper redraft leagues. Philadelphia's offensive line still ranks in the top half of the league, and the 29-year-old Barkley's career-long durability concerns have only been amplified by the exorbitant workload he's received with the Eagles.