Eagles Could Turn Heads With 'Unorthodox' Change in Backfield

It's exactly because of Johnson that the Eagles should continue to look inward despite the latest injury to the roster. 

Linebacker/fullback Ben VanSumeren suffered a non-contact injury during Friday's practice and is expected to be out for the season. A surprising part of the Eagles' offense, VanSumeren had been a key blocker whenever the Eagles wanted to go under center.

Now, the organization has to think of different ways to keep that particular set of play-calls together. The good news is that they have a player perfect for that particular role. 

Mailata got his athletic start in rugby and got his first taste of the NFL when he was drafted by the team in the seventh round of the 2018 draft. With Johnson being a serviceable tackle, could the Eagles try and put Mailata in the backfield as a blocker and runner in certain situations?

It's an unorthodox idea overall, but Philadelphia's injuries have forced them to be unorthodox at times this season. It's not outlandish to think that the team can't do something similar with their top tackle. 

Eagle fans have been clamoring to give Mailata some touches for years now. With the injury to VanSumeren, it finally might be the time to do so.