How promoted practice-squad player could help Eagles during playoff run

[time2rock]

How promoted practice-squad player could help Eagles during playoff run

Updated: Jan. 11, 2022, 10:57 a.m. | Published: Jan. 11, 2022, 10:44 a.m.

By Mike Kaye | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

In the NFL playoffs, every yard matters. That’s why the Eagles need playmakers in all three phases to push through the postseason gauntlet.

While the Eagles have produced consistent big plays on offense and defense, their return units on special teams have rarely come up big in the field-position battle. However, that could change with Monday’s promotion of Jason Huntley from the practice squad.

The second-year running back flashed during the "backup bowl” against the Dallas Cowboys’ starters in a meaningless Week 18 loss. In his first action of the season, Huntley picked up 51 yards on 13 carries, but his most impressive moments were on special teams.

Huntley had kickoff returns of 35, 20 and 29 yards in his regular-season debut. He averaged 28 yards per return, after Jalen Reagor, Quez Watkins and Kenny Gainwell spent the season all averaging less than 22 yards per return. Huntley, a prolific college returner, took advantage of his lone opportunity and forced the Eagles to elevate him to the main roster.

With Huntley in the mix, the Eagles have a wild card on special teams. They also can afford to be creative with their depth at running back as well. Huntley could be active on Sunday in the Super Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, serving as the primary kick returner as well as depth at running back with Miles Sanders (hand) and Jordan Howard (stinger) nursing injuries.

If Huntley gets to return a kickoff, the Eagles should feel more comfortable with him leaving the end zone than his predecessors, as he can take advantage of the return. Giving quarterback Jalen Hurts and the offense the best field position possible should always be the goal, and if Huntley can get the ball past the 25-yard line — which he’s proven he can — then he can benefit the offense in a must-win game.

Also, with Huntley serving as an emergency option at running back, head coach Nick Sirianni can shake things up in the backfield. Gainwell, who has worked with the wide receivers in practice, could be used as a regular slot option with the Eagles down to just four wideouts on the main roster. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside was put on injured reserve for the playoffs due to finger surgery, so Gainwell can pick up the slack with Huntley filling his role as a deep-depth back.

The Eagles need all the help they can get in the playmaking department against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. Huntley has shown he can make plays as a returner, so adding his curveball of talent to the mix should only help the Eagles.

If Huntley’s work in a meaningless finale against the Cowboys helped the team realize that he can be a legitimate weapon in playoffs, benching the majority of the Eagles’ notable players was well worth it.

https://www.nj.com/eagles/2022/01/how-promoted-practice-squad-player-could-help-eagles-during-playoff-run.html

[UK_EaglesFan89]

I'd love to see Huntley dress on Sunday and at least return kicks... I don't see it happening though unfortunately. 

[time2rock]

18 minutes ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I'd love to see Huntley dress on Sunday and at least return kicks... I don't see it happening though unfortunately. 

Agreed.  He seems to offer more juice to the position than anyone else we’ve seen in that role all year.  

[UK_EaglesFan89]

1 minute ago, time2rock said:

Agreed.  He seems to offer more juice to the position than anyone else we’ve seen in that role all year.  

I'd get him involved on offense too. Not a lot of carries of course but he offers that real burst.

[Procus]

I would not be surprised to see Huntley activated.  There's a lot of buzz about Sanders being ready to play, but I'm not so sure he sees extended time on the field.