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After the Eagles put Jay Ajayi in the injured reserve with an ACL tear on Monday night, the conversation naturally resumed on Le'Veon Bell.
Even before Ajayi was hurt, rumors circulated about the Eagles' possible exchange against Bell. These rumors are about to go crazy again (see the story). Even if they do not get Bell, Howie Roseman could use his magic and bring in someone else.
But for now, the Eagles play a game in three days and Ajayi's injury leaves them four defenders: Corey Clement, Darren Sproles, Wendell Smallwood and Josh Adams.
Let's take a closer look:
Corey Clement
After an impressive rookie campaign when he went from an unconverted player to a Super Bowl hero, expectations were high for Clement in sophomore. Clement played in the first three games of the year before missing the last two with a quad injury. While he was technically active Sunday against the Vikings, Clement was not in perfect health and was active only for emergencies. At least, it seems like he's getting closer to a comeback. But now that they will need to rely on him this season, the Eagles must be careful not to push him away.
In the first three games of the season, Clément had amassed 27 carries for 112 yards (4.1 per attempt) and a touchdown. He also caught eight passes for 74 yards.
As long as Clément can regain his health, he has every chance of one of the people on the list to really fill the void left by Ajayi. Clement may not be a speed demon, but he has demonstrated his ability as a runner and receiver in this league and he is not a handicap as a pass protector in the backfield. Apart from an exchange, the Eagles will probably make Clément their first option when he is in good health.
Darren Sproles
In the first game of the season, Sproles injured the hamstring and has now missed the last four games. A 35-year-old midfielder with a hamstring is a problem. The Eagles missed Sproles in special teams, but also in the third tries. He is the best pass protector and the best Eagles blitzer.
If Sproles can stay healthy, he will definitely have a role to play in this team. But this health is obviously a huge point of questioning at this stage of his career.
Wendell Smallwood
Do not forget that Smallwood was in danger of not being part of the Eagles' initial list of 53 people. Well, according to Clement's health, Smallwood may well be the star of the Eagles Thursday night against the Giants. No, Smallwood is not great on the pro side, but he is a fierce runner and hits the hole stronger than anyone on the list. His vision is not excellent either, but it is perhaps the best of a bad situation.
In five games, Smallwood had 25 carries for 150 yards (6.0 per run) and one touchdown. This 6.0 average is the third best average in the history of the Eagles in five games (with a minimum of 25 races). The two halves ahead of him were Sproles in 2014 and Brian Westbrook in 2003. He also caught 10 passes for 96 yards.
Josh Adams
We have not seen the unprepared rookie of Notre Dame play a lot this season. Adams has only played 10 free kicks this season and has carried the ball over seven of them. He racked up 30 yards on six litters in the opening match and his only goal in the Minnesota defeat came on this misguided pitch on 3 and 1 where he lost a vertebra. I do not know what kind of player he is yet, but the Eagles might have to know it.
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