Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley took seven carries for 23 yards and caught his lone target, taking it for a seven-yard score at the end of the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens. Veteran Kenneth Gainwell got the start ahead of the rookie Friday night and was more efficient with his carries. However, Shipley was put into the game early, indicating that the No. 2 role going to Gainwell is not a foregone conclusion. The 21-year-old also saw work as a returner on the kickoff team, a role that Gainwell also occupies. The rookie has been on the veteran's heels so far this summer and could carve out a passing downs role if he can continue to impress in practice.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell took four carries for 23 yards and was the first back on the field with the second-string unit against the Baltimore Ravens Friday night. Rookie Will Shipley soon came in to take over for the 25-year-old but was not nearly as efficient on his seven carries. Shipley was able to find the end zone at the end of the first quarter, catching a seven-yard pass from quarterback Kenny Pickett. Gainwell seems to have the inside track on the No. 2 job behind Saquon Barkley, but Shipley is proving that he can carve out his own role in the passing game and has been paired with Gainwell for kickoff returns.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 14 of 22 passes for 89 yards and a touchdown, adding three carries for four yards in the Eagles' preseason opener. While it was rumored that the Philadelphia starters would see playing time during the preseason opener, the second-team unit started the game and played into the third quarter, led by the Eagles' offseason addition from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Without any starting receivers to throw to, the 26-year-old failed to throw for over 100 yards despite playing the entire first half and seeing snaps during the first drive of the second half. He was able to hit rookie running back Will Shipley for a seven-yard touchdown pass at the end of the first quarter. Pickett has received praise throughout the offseason but looked just as bland and was unable to complete big plays, something he struggled with in Pittsburgh last season. Luckily for him, there is no real competition for his spot as the No. 2 option for the Eagles, and he should see more playing time next week when the Eagles travel to New England next Thursday.

The Philadelphia Eagles plan to play quarterback Jalen Hurts and their starters for a series in Friday's preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. It could be more depending upon how the series goes, but the first-team players are at least expected to make an appearance on Friday against the Ravens. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect to see the stars and veterans for more than a handful of snaps, though. With elite rushing upside, Hurts has cemented himself as one of fantasy's weekly matchup-proof QB1 bets entering 2024. Last season, he piled up a ridiculous 44 red-zone carries to go with 15 rushing touchdowns in 17 appearances for the Eagles. The 26-year-old two-time Pro Bowler is now also surrounded by one of the top supporting casts in all of football to bolster his fantasy package.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett was dealt to the organization following two underwhelming seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former first-round pick out of Pittsburgh University threw for just 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 25 starts to begin his career. The Eagles didn't give up much to acquire him, but he is reportedly still competing with Tanner McKee (a 2023 sixth-round pick) for the backup job behind Jalen Hurts. Both signal-callers are getting second-team reps, so this is a situation worth monitoring in superflex and two-QB leagues. Although Hurts has stayed mostly healthy during his pro career, his dual-threat style leaves him more susceptible to injury. If Hurts had to miss any time, Pickett or McKee would become a must-roster option in those formats, and either could have short-term upside given the high-end pass-catchers on the Philadelphia roster.