On Monday the Eagles announced that their first string running back, Jay Ajayi, tore his ACL and is out for the remainder of the season.
As if this season could not get any worse for the Eagles, they will go the rest of the season without talented running back Jay Ajayi.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Ajayi tore his ACL and has been placed on injured reserve, ending his 2018 season.
Although Ajayi has under-performed in the first five weeks, he is still the most talented rushing option in Philadelphia. Ajayi only has 184 yards on 45 carries through five weeks, but this is a huge blow to the Eagles backfield moving forward.
There have been recent criticisms, led by Ajayi, about the lack of commitment to the running game. Head coach Doug Pederson agreed with Ajayi, but added that when the team is trailing, they need to air it out.
Perhaps straying from the run had something to do with the lack of production from the banged up running back group.
With Ajayi done for the year, it leaves Wendell Smallwood, Cory Clement, injured Darren Sproles, and banged up rookie Josh Adams to carry the load. That group does not inspire much confidence in the Eagle’s running game moving forward.
This injury is a significant blow to a team that is already dealing with several other key injuries, and is falling behind in the NFC East. At 2-3, the Eagles are now tied with the Dallas Cowboys and trailing the Washington Redskins.
Clearly this is not an ideal position to be in during their title defense.
The Eagles will surely now lean even more on their passing game, trusting quarterback Carson Wentz to shoulder the load.
The Eagles have more than enough talent to right the ship, but the injury bug is doing it’s best to derail the season. Hopefully Ajayi has a swift recovery and is good to go next season.