Eagles reportedly set back at running back as Will Shipley faces weeks out with plantar fascia injury

The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly preparing for an extended stretch without one of their options at running back, with ESPN reporting that RB Will Shipley suffered a partial plantar fascia tear during Sunday’s game. The injury, as described in the report, is expected to sideline him for weeks, tightening an already thin rotation in the Eagles’ early-season backfield.

According to the same account carried by Yahoo Sports, the timing adds to Philadelphia’s running-back challenges. The report frames Shipley’s absence as part of a period in which both Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby are already out, leaving the Eagles to rely on deeper depth at a critical position where roles and workload can change quickly.

The stakes for the Eagles go beyond a single player’s injury. In-season running-back injuries often alter more than carries, they shift pass-protection assignments, formation usage, and the balance between inside and outside rushing concepts. When a roster falls deeper down the depth chart, coaches typically become more selective in play-calling and may simplify certain looks until the rotation stabilizes.

For context, Shipley is described in the report as a third-string option heading into the stretch. If that projection holds, his absence could push Philadelphia toward using a fourth-string running back more than planned, and it could affect how the team manages snaps for the remaining healthy backs as the weeks stack up.

The report’s specifics are also notable because plantar fascia injuries can be difficult for running backs to work through consistently. Even when players return to practice, they often need time to regain comfort and explosiveness, which can influence how quickly they can resume full workloads in games.

Philadelphia now faces a practical question for the next few weeks: how to stabilize the running game while keeping the rest of the offense functioning. If the team cannot establish reliable rushing efficiency, it can force more pressure onto the passing game and the offensive line’s ability to protect in obvious passing situations.

At the same time, the immediate timeline remains uncertain. This is a report attributed to ESPN, and it does not, on its face, replace official team injury reporting. The next development to watch is whether the Eagles provide confirmation on Shipley’s status and whether they elevate a specific back from the active roster or practice group to absorb carries during his expected absence.