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Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles had a league-high 32 rushing touchdowns. They were also ranked fifth in rushing yards, averaging 147.6 per game. But that vaunted running attack looks like it is in limbo after Miles Sanders agreed to a four-year, $25 million deal with the Carolina Panthers.
Enter Rashaad Penny, who signed a one-year deal to join the Super Bowl LVII runner-up. In a recent press conference, the former first-round draft pick shared that joining the Eagles was an easy decision. It’s easy to find proof for that claim, considering Philadelphia’s high-powered offense has weapons in the rushing and passing games.
They also have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, which helps create gaps that running backs can exploit. Finally, the Eagles have a versatile quarterback in Jalen Hurts, who is becoming a great leader. Therefore, Penny is in a perfect position to reboot his career after Kenneth Walker III’s emergence with the Seattle Seahawks made him dispensable. If everything goes well, he will likely fill in Sanders’ shoes as starting running back. However, that’s a big “if,” considering how his career has unfolded.
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Can Penny Be Healthy?
There’s no question about Penny's talent. Two seasons ago, he had 749 yards and six touchdowns despite playing only 10 games. More importantly, he has lost only one fumble in five seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Unfortunately, health is the most significant question mark hovering above Penny’s viability with the Eagles. While he will love Philadelphia’s aggressive run attack, it’s still uncertain if he will be healthy enough to compete.
The former San Diego State standout has had an extensive injury history. Aside from a leg injury that limited him to five games in 2022, he has also been through a torn ACL injury. Penny also had a calf injury in 2020, prompting the Seahawks to place him on injured reserve. He is yet to complete an entire regular season, and the closest he has been was 14 games during his rookie season in 2018.
He’s one of the best when he steps on the field, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. He had a career-high 6.3 yards per carry out of 119 attempts two seasons ago. Despite his season-ending injury in 2022, Penny posted an average of 6.1 yards per carry. The Eagles have tremendous upside in acquiring Penny, and the one-year deal is an audition for a long-term contract.
With Penny in place, he will likely be lining up on first and second downs and short-yardage third-down plays. He will share snaps with Kenneth Gainwell, who will check in during passing plays, and Boston Scott for end zone formations. Trey Sermon will also get some opportunities.
Like last season, Hurts will be a workhorse on both facets of the offense. But the Eagles can lessen his usage rate on the ground if Penny lives up to lofty expectations. He is set up to succeed in this restart, and it’s up to him if he will deliver.
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