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Eagles could have flawless backup plan at fullback after Ben VanSumeren injury

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles
By Anthony Miller | Last updated Sep 10, 2025 9:00 AM ET

One of the underrated moments of the Philadelphia Eagles' 24-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 was the injury to linebacker-turned-fullback Ben VanSumeren.

On the opening kickoff, VanSumeren suffered a torn patella tendon while coming down on kickoff coverage. He was sitting on the field for several minutes before being carted off the field. All this was happening while everyone's attention was on Jalen Carter getting ejected for spitting on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

VanSumeren has been ruled out for the rest of the season and was placed on IR. It may not seem like a big deal, but the Eagles were looking to run more plays with him in the backfield to bring back old-school football with heavy packages.

Philly has been forced to consider alternatives to this plan. The good part is that the Eagles might already have a solution they will be able to work with.

Eagles turning to two tight ends to help fill the void at fullback

The Athletic Eagles reporter Zach Berman shared some insights into what the team is thinking when it comes to fullback. Philly could be looking into either tight ends Kylen Granson or Cameron Latu to fill that spot.

Re: fullback — The Eagles think they can use the Ben VanSumeren packages with Kylen Granson or Cameron Latu.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) September 9, 2025

Granson might make more sense at fullback since he is already on the active roster, and it would avoid taking another player off at a key position. He is already the third tight end who isn't getting as many reps and can jump in the backfield.

The Eagles don't run many pass plays that involve three tight ends inside the five-yard line anyway. Everyone knows by now the go-to play when they need just a yard to get in the end zone.

Latu is currently on the Eagles' practice squad and could also work for the position. Again, the concern is taking a roster spot away from a player who could immediately impact the team right now, whether on offense, defense, or special teams.

It's no surprise the Eagles are already all over it, but don't expect many plays with the fullback early in the season. That might be a special wrinkle for later in the season when it's more needed.

This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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