Will Shipley's injury update went from bad to worse for Eagles fans
Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley looked primed for an expanded role in 2025.
Shipley had a solid first quarter in the Eagles' 24-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, totaling 26 rushing yards on three carries and a kick return for 12 yards. All of a sudden, he was off the field. Reports surfaced on Monday night that Philadelphia had made a trade for Tank Bigsby, leading to speculation that Shipley's rib injury was more serious than initially reported.
According to Eagles insider Derrick Gunn, Shipley is reportedly suffering from a fractured rib (or ribs) and will be out for an extended period. The Eagles have yet to place the second-year running back on injured reserve; however, they currently have 54 players on the active roster, with 16 on their practice squad (one IPP exempt).
How does Shipley's injury impact the Eagles' roster and offense moving forward?
It appears that Shipley will head to the injured reserve, joining fullback/linebacker Ben VanSumeren, who suffered a knee injury on the opening kickoff against the Cowboys. The Eagles now "roll" with Saquon Barkley, A.J. Dillon, and Bigsby as the team prepares for Kansas City in Week 2.
Shipley was primed to take an expanded role in the 2025 Eagles offense and was the first running back off the bench when Barkley needed relief. The 2024 fourth-round draft pick rushed for over 2,700 yards and 31 touchdowns at Clemson, while also serving as a receiving threat and adding value on special teams in college. Shipley was primed to begin carving out a similar role in 2025 for Philadelphia, and will now have to wait until healthy to showcase his skillset.
Bigsby will most likely take over Shipley's spot as the Eagles' receiving option out of the backfield, while adding an instant spark in the Eagles' kickoff return element. Bigsby has been used sparingly as a returner, but his shifty dynamic playmaking ability could pay off dividends with the league's revision of the play. Bigsby, from a long-term perspective, also offers a cheaper option, in 2026, should the Eagles choose to depart with Dillon, and roster the combination of Bigsby/Shipley for Barkley's primary backups for next season.
Regardless, the Eagles right now are facing their first wave of roster shuffles as injuries have begun affecting the team. Bigsby should be active and available as Philadelphia prepares for its matchup vs the Chiefs in a 2024 Super Bowl rematch.
Commanders rookie RB talks first touchdown, secret to success
The Washington Commanders are celebrating after their 21-6 victory against the New York Giants in the season opener at Northwest Stadium.
The Commanders scored three touchdowns in the victory, including one from rookie running back Jacory-Croskey-Merritt, who spoke about his debut after the win.
“I forgot the ball again. I told myself, when I score, I’m going to make sure I keep my football. I think the excitement just takes over me, and I just end up dropping it. [WR] Terry [McLaurin] ended up finding the ball and giving it to me,” Croskey-Merritt said. “... It was whatever the coaches wanted me to do, and I was going to do that one hundred percent. I just appreciate my teammates being there for being there the whole time.”
Bill gets first career TD
Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick out of Arizona, led the Commanders with 10 carries for 82 yards in the win. Croskey-Merritt shared how exciting the day was for him.
“This whole day was amazing, just being able to be on the field with my teammates. I’ve waited a long time for this, and I just want to give these guys thanks for just pushing me and believing me,” Croskey-Merritt said.
Croskey-Merritt has a chance to be one of the best rookie rushers in the league thanks to the opportunity in front of him with the Commanders.
With the team facing the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football in Week 2, he'll have a chance to show out on a national stage against one of the best rush defenses in the NFL.
He doesn't have much of a strategy for how to achieve that other than being himself.
“I just go out there and do me. It’s football at the end of the day. I just go out there and have fun," Croskey-Merritt said.
