Following Darren Sproles‘ season-ending injury, we heard that the Eagles were in the market for a running back. Well, it sounds like the team has targeted a familiar face. According to ESPN’s Adam Caplan (via Twitter), the Eagles are expected to sign running back Kenjon Barner. ESPN’s Field Yates reported (via Twitter) earlier today that Barner was auditioning for the team. It’s a one-year contract for Barner, according to Philly.com’s Jeff McLane (via Twitter).
Barner, a 2013 sixth-round pick by the Panthers, spent two seasons in Philly, appearing in 23 total games between 2015 and 2016. The running back was productive despite limited snaps, compiling 253 rushing yards on only 55 carries (4.6 yards per attempt) during his Eagles tenure. Following a season-ending injury last season, Barner signed a one-year deal with the Chargers this past offseason, but he was ultimately cut by the team in early September.
During his brief career, Barner had also proved to be useful in the passing game, which could be especially important to the Eagles during Sproles’ absence. Including his time in Carolina, the 27-year-old has hauled in 16 career receptions for 71 yards. The Oregon product also has experience on special teams, having returned 12 kicks (with a 25.3-yard average) and three punts.
After Sproles collected 15 carries and seven receptions through two-plus games, Wendell Smallwood and LeGarrette Blount picked up the slack for their injured teammate during Sunday’s win over the Giants. The duo combined for 24 carries, with Smallwood hauling in one of his two targets. Even if the Eagles are content with the duo, it was assumed that they’d be in the market for some reinforcement. Besides Blount, Smallwood, and (presumably) Barner, undrafted rookie Corey Clement is the only other healthy running back on the roster.