Kenneth Gainwell led the Eagles backfield on Sunday, much to the chagrin of D'Andre Swift (pictured) fans. But those who started Swift need to at least think about using him again, with Gainwell looking unlikely to be available tomorrow night.
The Eagles host the Vikings in the Thursday night game, and Gainwell (ribs) hasn't been able to practice. So some combination of Rashaad Penny (inactive in Week 1), Swift (barely used) and Boston Scott will be toting the ball against the Vikings.
Penny will presumably be active and get some carries, but it's hard to count on that. Scott or Swift could just as easily play the most. Clearly, there's risk involved in counting on any of them. But whoever takes on Gainwell's role has some value in PPR leagues.
Gainwell started to get more work the second half of last season, and was a big factor in the playoffs, with a huge game against the Giants and a decent workload in the Super Bowl. It was why it was weird that some were so dismissive of him in the preseason, and gung-ho on Swift. But here we are with Gainwell likely to miss at least one game, to the benefit of someone else.
Table shows Gainwell's numbers the second half of last season (including three playoff games) and Week 1. He had at least 8 PPR points in seven of those games, including in each of the last four. Not numbers that are going to carry people to victory in fantasy matchups, but serviceable production for a lightly regarded later pick in drafts.
| GAINWELL GAME LOG, LAST 11 CONTESTS | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Opp | Run | No | Rec | TD | Pts |
| 2022 | G.B. | 39 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 11.6 |
| 2022 | Ten. | 15 | 3 | 38 | 0 | 8.3 |
| 2022 | at NYG | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 |
| 2022 | at Chi. | 5 | 2 | 9 | 0 | 3.4 |
| 2022 | at Dal. | 17 | 4 | 41 | 0 | 9.8 |
| 2022 | N.O. | 0 | 2 | 17 | 0 | 3.7 |
| 2022 | NYG | 35 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 5.2 |
| 2022 | NYG | 112 | 1 | 9 | 1 | 19.1 |
| 2022 | S.F. | 48 | 2 | 26 | 0 | 9.4 |
| 2022 | K.C. | 21 | 4 | 20 | 0 | 8.1 |
| 2023 | at N.E. | 54 | 4 | 20 | 0 | 11.4 |
We'll see where the rankings slot the Eagles backs, but probably Swift will grade out highest. Those burned by him in Week 1 may shy away, but there's some upside potential against the Vikings tomorrow night. Would be nice if the Eagles come out and announce a lead back, but we probably won't be so fortunate.
--Andy Richardson