Throughout training camp, there was a lot of discussion about who the lead back for the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles lost their lead back from last season, Pro Bowler Miles Sanders, in free agency to the Carolina Panthers.
Looking to fill that void, the Eagle signed Rashaad Penny in free agency to a one-year deal. The team also made a trade for D’Andre Swift in a deal with the Detroit Lions during the 2023 NFL Draft.
In addition to those two acquisitions, the team was also able to re-sign Boston Scott in free agency. He, along with Kenneth Gainwell, are the two holdovers from last season. Gainwell, however, was gaining steam during the offseason as the potential lead back for the Eagles.
If his role during the postseason was any indication, he is a player that the coaching staff likes a lot. He saw his workload increase exponentially during the postseason and was their main back during the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Gainwell had 33 carries for 181 yards and one touchdown in the postseason to go along with seven receptions for 55 yards for the duration of the postseason. He and Sanders split carries against Kansas City, but Gainwell received four targets to Sanders’ zero.
Despite two talented players in Penny and Swift being added to the roster, many people believe that Gainwell will have a more prominent role in 2023 than he did in 2022. Alas, some projections aren’t so high on the 2021 fifth-round pick.
Over at FantasyPros, Gainwell is projected for a modest season. 96 rushing attempts for 418 yards and four touchdowns is what they are projecting. He will add 22 receptions for 170 yards and another score or 85 fantasy points.
Given the injury history of Penny and Swift, there is certainly a chance that Gainwell will see his role expand in the Eagles’ offense. It will be interesting to see how things shake out as Penny is an early-down runner and Swift excels as a passing back. Gainwell will be competing for snaps against both of them as he showed in the playoffs he can handle either role.
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