Is Rashaad Penny or D'Andre Swift the Eagles Primary RB? Fantasy Football Outlook

July 28, 2023

Will Rashaad Penny or D'Andre Swift be the starting running back for the Philadelphia Eagles? Who among them offers the best upside in 2023 fantasy football?

Philadelphia Eagles running backs Rashaad Penny and D'Andre Swift have each been prolific in small sample sizes since being drafted in the 2018 and 2020 classes respectively, but both have failed to secure big-time workloads thanks to injury concerns. Now, the two explosive RBs are set to be in the same backfield for last year's NFC Champions.

The Eagles' offensive line unit is largely viewed as the best in the NFL, so one or both of these ball carriers could have mega-upside in 2023.

Will Penny or Swift operate as the team's primary running back? Let's dive in.

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Rashaad Penny Career Review

In 42 career games over five seasons, Penny has compiled 1,918 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns on 337 attempts. The former San Diego State Aztec averaged 6.3 yards per carry in 2021 and 6.1 yards per carry in 2022 and is arguably the most explosive runner in the NFL. His 5.7 career rushing average is impressive, but he's missed almost as many games (40) as he's played in.

Penny suffered a hand fracture, ACL tear, broken fibula (last season), and several hamstring and knee strains all before the age of 28. The Eagles brought in Penny on a one-year, $1.35 million deal, so they're clearly comfortable with his injury risk at cost.

D'Andre Swift Career Review

In three seasons with the Lions, Swift rushed 364 times for 1,680 yards and 18 scores. As a receiver out of the backfield, he secured 156 passes for 1,198 yards and seven receiving touchdowns.

Like Penny, Swift's advanced metrics show he's one of the most explosive running backs in the NFL on a per-touch basis, but the Lions never gave him a meaningful workload. He has avoided serious injuries during his career, but a bunch of minor bumps and bruises have held him out of 11 of his first 50 possible games.

After Detroit drafted Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the writing was on the wall for his career with the organization. He was dealt for a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2023 seventh-round pick swap. He will be in the final year of his rookie contract in 2023.

Is Penny or Swift the Eagles' Primary Running Back?

Rashaad Penny reportedly took the first carry in team drills at the Eagles' training camp, but Swift was utilized all over the field. He was split out wide, motioned into the slot, and saw backfield work as a receiver.

The workhorse running back role is almost extinct in the NFL, and the Eagles will split the running back work between the two backs and even mix in Kenneth Gainwell. Ultimately, Penny will likely assume the early-down and short-yardage back role, while Swift gets the bulk of the receiving work on third downs and in hurry-up offense situations.

If Penny can stay healthy, he makes for a better standard league option. He has just 27 career receptions and Swift, who is best suited for PPR formats, is a far superior receiver. If either has to miss time with an injury, the other back will have nuclear upside with additional touches.

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