The Philadelphia Eagles will have at least three running backs who make the roster, but it will be difficult for them to not add a fourth.
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly became known for coaching up running backs at Oregon, and he has continued to do so with the Eagles.
LeSean McCoy had a bounceback season and established himself as an elite NFL running back by rushing for 1,607 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 52 receptions, 539 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Bryce Brown served as McCoy’s primary backup the past couple of seasons, but he was traded to the Buffalo Bills in March. The Eagles found themselves a reliable backup in Darren Sproles by trading a fifth-round draft pick to the Saints.
Sproles can also act as an all-purpose back, and his role will likely be similar to his role in New Orleans. The speedster will also be in the mix for kick and punt returns.
Chris Polk will continue to be the third-string running back after receiving more playing time last season. Most of Polk’s action came on special teams, but Polk rushed for three touchdowns on just 11 carries in 2013.
The former undrafted free agent is expected to cling to his job, but Henry Josey is making a run at it. Josey was undrafted out of Missouri despite rushing for 1,166 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2013.
The Eagles will have difficulty keeping only three running backs if they do so, but Josey is a shoo-in for the practice squad if he is cut.
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