Will Shipley was supposed to be a versatile weapon for the Philadelphia Eagles in his second season, handling everything from rushing duties to special teams. Then came that hit against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1, and suddenly Philadelphia’s backfield plans got a lot more complicated.
Within days, the team had shipped draft picks to the Jacksonville Jaguars for Tank Bigsby. This left fans wondering whether they just witnessed a panic move or a calculated depth-building move.
Is Will Shipley Playing in Week 2?
The Eagles’ primetime clash with the Cowboys featured plenty of drama on and off the field, but Shipley’s early exit quickly became a major storyline. According to PFSN’s Brandon Astreicher, Shipley suffered an injury to his ribs and was ruled questionable to return.
The Eagles themselves confirmed the issue during the game, though it wasn’t immediately clear on the broadcast. Shipley’s absence became noticeable as he stopped handling his usual kickoff and special teams responsibilities.
Injury Updates: CB Adoree’ Jackson was evaluated for a concussion and cleared to return. RB Will Shipley (ribs) is questionable to return.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 5, 2025
Before his injury, Shipley had been efficient, logging three carries for 26 yards. Astreicher noted that the loss stung because the rookie offered versatility, contributing as a rusher while offering Saquon Barkley rest and adding value in the return game.
The Eagles had already racked up 145 rushing yards before a weather delay halted play, showcasing how balanced their ground attack looked. Still, Shipley’s setback highlighted the thin depth behind Barkley.
Veteran A.J. Dillon stepped in, but after a lost 2024 season, he managed only 10 yards on three carries. That outing highlighted why Philadelphia’s depth behind Barkley was such a concern entering the year.
The Eagles wasted no time trading for Bigsby from the Jaguars — a move that immediately fueled speculation about its link to Shipley’s injury. The timing left many wondering if Philadelphia acted out of panic or if the deal had been in the works all along.
NFL reporter Derrick Gunn reported: “Sources tell me Shipley does have a fractured rib and the move for Bigsby is not only to add depth at the RB position but Bigsby can also help out on special teams including returning kicks.”
Sources tell me Shipley does have a fractured rib and the move for Bigsby is not only to add depth at the RB position but bigsby can also help out on special teams including returning kicks…
— Derrick Gunn (@RealDGunn) September 9, 2025
However, not all insiders agree on that framing. Brooks Kubena, a writer for The Athletic, offered a different perspective, stressing that the timing may be coincidental: “The Tank Bigsby trade is not related to Will Shipley’s rib injury against the Cowboys last week, to my understanding. The Eagles like their RB room. They like Bigsby’s effectiveness as a kickoff returner — a role they’ve been exploring.”
The Tank Bigsby trade is not related to Will Shipley’s rib injury against the Cowboys last week, to my understanding.
The Eagles like their RB room. They like Bigsby’s effectiveness as a kickoff returner — a role they’ve been exploring.
— Brooks Kubena (@BKubena) September 8, 2025
Shipley has been ruled out of the Eagles’ Week 2 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and his situation will be worth monitoring going forward. However, with Bigsby and Barkley, Philadelphia’s running game will be expected to dominate.
What Role Will Tank Bigsby Play in Philadelphia’s Backfield?
Regardless of the motivation, Philadelphia made a significant investment in its new addition. As PFSN’s Jordon Lawrenz reported, the Eagles sent 2026 fifth- and sixth-round draft picks to Jacksonville in exchange for Bigsby.
The 24-year-old brings proven production, something the Eagles clearly lacked behind Barkley. Bigsby had seven touchdowns last season and offers the kind of reliability that Dillon has struggled to provide after his disappointing 2024 campaign.
With Shipley out and Dillon still ramping up, Bigsby is in line to slide into the RB2 role as soon as Week 2. The Eagles now face a quick turnaround, traveling to Kansas City for a Super Bowl 59 rematch on September 14.
For now, Philadelphia’s ground game remains a strength with Barkley at the forefront. Still, the uncertainty around Shipley’s recovery and Bigsby’s sudden emergence raises questions about how the coaching staff will manage its backfield depth. The coming weeks should reveal whether this move was stopgap insurance or part of a bigger roster strategy.
