The Philadelphia Eagles had former running back Jay Ajayi in for a visit on Friday, ahead of their Sunday matchup with the New England Patriots. After working out the talented 26-year-old, the Eagles agreed to a deal with the Jordan Howard clone.
Ajayi knows the offense and amassed 592 yards and 4 touchdowns in two seasons with the Birds.
With Darren Sproles out for the season and Howard nursing a shoulder injury, here are four takeaways from the news that Ajayi has returned home.
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1. The Eagles are turning into a run-first team
Even with Howard questionable, the Eagles postseason hopes will rest with a trio of running backs who all bring different and special gifts to the game. With Alshon Jeffery nursing an ankle injury and Jordan Matthews returning to the roster, Sunday will provide a huge opportunity for the Eagles to define their identity against a Patriots defense that can be run on.
2. Competition for touches heated up, even more,
Howard and Sanders were already splitting touches and the addition of Ajayi will make playing time even more premium for all three running backs. Sander’s abilities in the passing game dictate that he’ll be the third-down back and the Eagles big playback as a whole.
It’s a good problem to have and Doug Pederson will be tasked with using all three backs to the best of their abilities.
3. Eagles can get creative with Ajayi and Sanders
Sanders has been electric in his past two games, racking up 118 total yards against the Bills and making splash plays in the Eagles win over the Bears. Sanders will continue to get touches in bulk and because of Ajayi’s versatility, the Eagles have the luxury of being creative with both running backs going forward.
4. Ajayi will see time against the Patriots
With the injuries to Howard and Sproles, that leaves the Eagles with just Sanders, Ajayi and Boston Scott at running back. Ajayi should play a role on Sunday and Pederson said as much.
“If it’s Jay,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson said on Friday. “I think we can give (him) a little bit of work.
