The Apex Times
Above the Noise
Scores
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
SportsNextScores and schedulesUpdating
Back to front
Eagles sign RB Ian Wheeler to the practice squad, adding backfield depth after injuries
The Apex Times

THE APEX TIMES

Sports/The Apex Times/Oct 15, 3:12 PM EDT

Eagles sign RB Ian Wheeler to the practice squad, adding backfield depth after injuries

Philadelphia’s running back room got a new depth option Thursday, with the Eagles signing former Howard standout Ian Wheeler to their practice squad.

By The Apex Times Newsroom1 min readAI-assisted Apex article

The Philadelphia Eagles added running back Ian Wheeler to their practice squad on Thursday, a move the team described as adding depth to its backfield in the wake of injuries.

Wheeler, 5-foot-11, emerged as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears in 2024 and became a notable rookie storyline during the Bears’ “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears.”

At Howard, Wheeler played four seasons and averaged 6.5 yards per carry while totaling 1,143 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns.

His NFL tenure has included a knee injury during the Bears’ final preseason game in 2024, a waiver by Chicago in 2025, and then a month on the Saints’ practice squad.

Wheeler also continued his career in the United Football League, joining the Louisville Kings in 2026. He helped Louisville win the championship and was named United Bowl MVP, averaging 8.1 yards per run with 81 yards and a touchdown in the title game.

Why It Matters

  • The move gives Philadelphia additional practice-week depth at a position group the team said has been affected by injuries.
  • Wheeler’s background includes both NFL offseason work and recent professional game success, highlighted by his UFL championship run.
  • Because the signing is to the practice squad, Wheeler’s immediate impact is more likely to come through preparation and situational readiness than a guaranteed change to the active backfield.

Sources

Key Facts

  • The Eagles signed running back Ian Wheeler to the practice squad on Thursday.
  • Philadelphia said the move is aimed at adding depth to the running back room after injuries.
  • Wheeler was an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears in 2024 and drew attention during “Hard Knocks.”
  • At Howard, Wheeler totaled 1,143 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, and averaged 6.5 yards per carry across four seasons.
  • After a knee injury in the Bears’ final preseason game in 2024, Wheeler was waived in 2025 and spent a month on the Saints’ practice squad.
  • In 2026 with the Louisville Kings of the UFL, Wheeler won the championship and was United Bowl MVP, averaging 8.1 yards per carry with 81 yards and a touchdown.