Will Shipley’s rib injury worse than expected? Eagles’ surprising running back trade suggests growing concern

The Philadelphia Eagles have pulled off another headline-grabbing move, acquiring running back Tank Bigsby from the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the deal strengthens their backfield alongside Saquon Barkley, it also reignites concern about Will Shipley’s rib injury and what it means for his role moving forward. The timing of the trade has left fans wondering if this is more than just a depth adjustment.Shipley looked electric in the Eagles’ Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys, flashing the explosiveness that made him a valuable draft pick out of Clemson. Unfortunately, his rib injury forced him out of the second half, leaving Philadelphia scrambling for answers behind Barkley. The Eagles quickly brought Montrell Johnson Jr. back to the practice squad, a familiar face who impressed in preseason with 77 rushing yards and a touchdown.Still, the move to land Bigsby suggests the front office isn’t fully confident in the current depth chart. A.J. Dillon managed just 10 yards on three carries in Week 1, raising legitimate concerns about whether he can be trusted as the primary backup. For an offense built around balance, losing Shipley for an extended stretch could change the dynamics, especially in the passing game where he was expected to become a reliable safety valve.General manager Howie Roseman has built a reputation for bold, calculated decisions, and this latest trade is no exception. While the Eagles haven’t indicated they’re open to trading Shipley, the timing of Bigsby’s arrival adds intrigue. Shipley’s versatility as both a runner and return specialist makes him an attractive asset across the league. If his recovery lingers longer than expected, the possibility of other teams—like the New Orleans Saints—checking in on his availability shouldn’t be ruled out.For now, the Eagles maintain a loaded backfield with Barkley, Dillon, and Bigsby, but it’s hard to ignore the underlying message. Shipley’s injury may be more serious than initially believed, and Philadelphia is making sure they’re not caught unprepared. If Shipley returns quickly, the move becomes an overabundance of riches. If not, Roseman has already built in a safety net.As the season unfolds, all eyes will remain on Shipley’s status. Whether this trade signals a short-term patch or the beginning of a bigger transition, one thing is clear: the Eagles aren’t leaving anything to chance in their pursuit of another championship run.Also Read: Inside Caleb Williams and Alina Thyregod’s shocking breakup after his NFL rookie year