WillShipley

News: 5 hours agoShipley started Thursday's preseason game against the Bengals, taking seven carries for 48 yards and one catch for four yards.

Spin: All eight touches came on the first two drives, including a 38-yard carry, before AJ Dillon took over for the third series and played the rest of the first half. Dillon also had a solid night, with five carries for 27 yards and three catches for 27 yards, but both the rotation order and Shipley's strong performance suggest Shipley is on track for the No. 2 RB role in Philadelphia -- a spot that could equate to immense fantasy value in the event of a Saquon Barkley injury.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Shipley is entering his second NFL season in position to earn the primary backup role behind Saquon Barkley. With Barkley dominating the touches and Kenneth Gainwell second in line for work, the 2024 fourth-round pick was limited to 34 touches in 16 games as a rookie, 14 of which came with the starters resting in Week 18. Granted it was a small sample, but Shipley wasn't overly effective (2.7 YPC), which aligns with his underwhelming collegiate efficiency. Still, with Gainwell now in Pittsburgh, Shipley has an opportunity to lock down one of the league's best insurance jobs. Should Barkley miss time, the 23-year-old would likely see enough work behind an elite line in a high-scoring offense to allow RB2/flex production. Shipley makes for a fine late-round dart throw.