The Philadelphia Eagles and Chip Kelly may have to think about keeping Kenjon Barner on the 53-man roster after the preseason, as the running back has performed well this summer and this comes as Sam Bradford got his first action for the team and he had a cheap shot at his knee against the Ravens.
The Eagles have high expectations for the season after making a number of changes this winter, including trading Nick Foles to the Rams for Bradford. Kelly has been confident that Bradford can stay healthy after two ACL surgeries on his knee and he had his first action in the preseason over the weekend. Bradford went 3-of-5 for 35 yards and the most notable thing to happen was a low tackle on Bradford by Terrell Suggs on a run option play.
Pro Football Talk reports that Eagles tackle Jason Peterson called the hit "dirty" and that Bradford said it was "part of the game." While a penalty was called, technically the hit was not an illegal one. As PFT point out, the quarterback is considered a runner on the read option and NFL rules allow the quarterback to be hit low if done legally and replay showed that it was. Either way, the hit was not illegal, but it highlights how things for the Eagles and Bradford could be derailed with a hit like that.
Bradford has been working as the starter all through camp and he has had good reviews from coaches on his accuracy and handling of the offense. Bradford last played in a regular season game back in 2013 for the Rams and his last pro action before this past weekend was against the Browns in the preseason last year. When Bradford was injured in 2013, he was off to the best start of his career with 14 touchdowns and just four interceptions in seven games.
The Eagles have DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews coming in as the main running backs, while Darren Sproles will be third on the depth chart. Murray signed in the offseason and should get the bulk of the carries, while Sproles has been getting work split out as a wide receiver for Kelly. Those three players are certain to make the roster as the top three running backs, but there is a chance Kelly could take a chance and keep Kenjon Barner as well.
Barner has played well in the preseason and Pro Football talk writes that Barner could be playing his way onto the roster. Barner previously played for Kelly at Oregon and he comes in after rushing for one touchdown last week against the Colts and also scoring on a 93-yard punt return. Barner had another return against the Ravens for nearly 70-yards and he also added 15 yards rushing and one reception. Barner could get consideration if Kelly wants to use the running back on special teams. Kelly said to the Philadelphia Inquirer that Barner has made a "huge case" to make the team.
Barner was originally drafted by the Panthers and after making it to the Eagles and getting released, he signed back with the team this offseason. CSN Philly reported earlier in the summer that Barner likely would end up on the practice squad, but that was before his strong performances in the preseason. Barner got work in the first game with Mathews and Sproles playing sparingly and Murray sitting out. Kelly may have to think hard about Barner and if he keeps four backs, Barner likely will be in the mix. Barner has played in seven career games and has just seven yards rushing on six attempts for the Panthers in 2013.
Check here for more on the Eagles and training camp and Barner possibly making the roster.