Eagles Signing Veteran RB Jay Ajayi After Losing Darren Sproles for Rest of Season
By Sean Facey
The Philadelphia Eagles are bringing back a familiar face to shore up their depth in the backfield.
After losing veteran running back Darren Sproles to a hip flexor injury that he suffered in practice, the Eagles have reunited with a former member of their backfield, signing veteran Jay Ajayi.
The #Eagles intend to sign FA RB Jay Ajayi, source said. He worked out this morning and they are deep in talks. The top veteran still available, he’s healthy after an ACL tear and returns to the team that traded for him in 2017. Helps make up for the loss of Darren Sproles.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 15, 2019
Ajayi, who has yet to play a snap in the NFL this year, won a Super Bowl with the Eagles back in 2017 after they acquired him in a mid-season trade with the Miami Dolphins.
Over the course of his time in Philadelphia, he appeared in 11 games, amassing 592 rushing yards, 111 receiving yards and five total touchdowns.
The signing of Ajayi takes pressure off of injured star Jordan Howard, who has split time with rookie Miles Sanders. The addition of Ajayi provides a power option out of the backfield that the Eagles haven't really had this season.
Jay Ajayi has arrived at the Eagles' practice facility for his visit. Philadelphia has two injured backs at the moment: Darren Sproles (quad) and Jordan Howard (shoulder).
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) November 15, 2019
(Photo via Lane Johnson's Instagram.) pic.twitter.com/aXoqareW6V
There's obviously the question of whether or not he'll be able to find his old form again after missing such a lengthy period of time, but the upside both in talent and experience is undeniable.
He could be the spark the Eagles need to go on a run down the stretch this year, and at the very least he will function as a serviceable backup or third-down running back.