Jay

Ajayi

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the offense will get Jordan Howard (shoulder) back this week. Ajayi converted 10 rush attempts into 30 scoreless yards in three games with the Eagles, working well behind both Miles Sanders and Boston Scott.

Sanders will again pace the Eagles’ backfield with Jordan Howard to miss his third straight game with a pinched nerve. Coming off an 86-yard performance (63 yards rushing, 23 receiving) in last week’s loss to Seattle, Sanders should be primed for a big day against the Dolphins, who have allowed the league’s second-most rushing yards per game (148.2). The rookie makes for a surefire RB2 in season-long leagues and should be an appealing DFS commodity at his $5,800 price tag on FanDuel. Jay Ajayi will work as a change of pace when Sanders needs a breather.

It was Ajayi’s first game action since tearing his ACL in Week 4 last season. The 26-year-old has zero fantasy value behind Miles Sanders with Jordan Howard (shoulder) likely to return next week against the Dolphins.

Ajayi was active for last week’s game in New England but was only available on an emergency basis as Miles Sanders and Boston Scott handled all the Eagles’ rushing work. Now that he’s had a full week to acclimate himself, (the Eagles re-signed him last Friday), Ajayi should see the field against Seattle and could play a meaningful role with Jordan Howard (stinger) still not cleared for contact. It’s possible Ajayi takes over as the lead ball-carrier with Sanders reverting to his usual receiving role, though obviously there are many moving parts to consider in Philadelphia’s backfield committee.

He dressed for Sunday’s game but didn’t play. Instead, the Eagles went with Miles Sanders as their lead back with Boston Scott working in a change-of-pace capacity. Sources indicated that Ajayi would play Sunday—the Eagles signed him as insurance for injured starter Jordan Howard—but obviously coach Doug Pederson didn’t feel comfortable trotting him out against New England. Even if Howard’s shoulder issues persist, it’s doubtful Ajayi will emerge as a fantasy option any time soon.

Howard (shoulder) got in some light practice work this week but has yet to be cleared for contact. Bradham (ankle) and Jeffery (ankle) are also injured while Hall, Herbig, Miller and Sudfeld are healthy scratches. With Howard absent, Philadelphia’s backfield will feature some combination of Miles Sanders, Jay Ajayi and Boston Scott. Sanders is the best fantasy bet of those three.

Sanders has largely been confined to passing downs this season but Ajayi was never expected to see workhorse usage, particularly on such short notice after signing with the Eagles Friday. With Jordan Howard (stinger) and Darren Sproles (hip) both shelved, the Eagles are down to Sanders, Boston Scott and Ajayi as their long healthy running backs. As sure-handed as they come—his 305 receiving yards are the most among rookie running backs—Sanders could see heavy volume as a pass-catcher with Philadelphia entering Sunday as 4.5-point home underdogs.

With Jordan Howard (shoulder) expected to be ruled out, the Eagles will activate Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, and Ajayi in the latter’s first regular season action since initially tearing his ACL on October 7 last year. The recent signee’s workload for Sunday remains unclear. Consider Sanders a low-end RB3 with Philadelphia’s pass-catching role shored up all to himself, while Ajayi remains the favorite to vulture any goal line reps.

The Eagles needed another back after Darren Sproles was placed on injured reserve. Ajayi is also an insurance option for Jordan Howard who has been dealing with a “stinger” this week. It’s unclear if Ajayi will be active this Sunday but being with the organization in 2017 and 2018 helps his chances. Ajayi is merely a handcuff and depth back for Philly.

The two parties are in “deep in talks”, so the official word should come out shortly. The Eagles lost Darren Sproles to injured reserve and Jordan Howard is dealing with a “stinger” at the moment. Ajayi does have familiarity with the organization having played there two seasons ago, but it would be tough to play Week 11 on this short of notice, assuming he does actually sign. Ajayi would likely be the third back behind Howard and rookie Miles Sanders.