The Philadelphia Eagles have been using their talented backup running back, Tank Bigsby, at a relatively low rate this season, leaving him to ride shotgun for the more prominent Saquon Barkley. Despite averaging an impressive six yards per carry and showing glimpses of explosiveness on the field, Bigsby has only managed to secure 16 percent of the team's running back carries, with most games featuring him in a limited capacity.
In comparison to other top-tier backup running backs around the league, Bigsby's usage rate is somewhat underwhelming. For instance, Christian McCaffrey's backup, Brian Robinson, has secured over 23% of his team's running back touches, while James Cook, who operates with an explosive play style, has managed a more respectable 14%. In stark contrast, the Eagles' star, Barkley, has become increasingly entrenched in the starting role and is now nearing 30 years old.
When asked about the potential for Bigsby to receive more playing time, however, Barkley expressed his willingness to accommodate his teammate. "I'm all about winning football games," he stated during a locker clean-out session, emphasizing that Tank's performance on the field should be taken into account. When prompted if it was acceptable for Bigsby to take over for him at any point in a game, Barkley showed no hesitation: "If that's what's going to help us win football games... I think Tank is a hell of a back."
While Barkley seems open to giving Bigsby more opportunities, the team has been hesitant to do so due to his high level of production. In 2025, only 12 running backs in the league boasted an even higher yards-per-carry average than Bigsby's 4.6 yards per carry on at least 280 carries - all nine of whom are Pro Bowlers. This makes it understandable that Coach Nick Sirianni and the Eagles coaching staff have been keen to keep Bigsby off the field, despite his undeniable talent.
However, as Barkley approaches his 30th birthday next season, there is growing concern among analysts about whether he will be able to maintain his current level of performance. With someone like Tank Bigsby waiting in the wings, it's possible that the Eagles may choose to utilize him more frequently in order to ensure their continued competitiveness on the field. Only time will tell if this decision ultimately proves beneficial for the team's success.
In comparison to other top-tier backup running backs around the league, Bigsby's usage rate is somewhat underwhelming. For instance, Christian McCaffrey's backup, Brian Robinson, has secured over 23% of his team's running back touches, while James Cook, who operates with an explosive play style, has managed a more respectable 14%. In stark contrast, the Eagles' star, Barkley, has become increasingly entrenched in the starting role and is now nearing 30 years old.
When asked about the potential for Bigsby to receive more playing time, however, Barkley expressed his willingness to accommodate his teammate. "I'm all about winning football games," he stated during a locker clean-out session, emphasizing that Tank's performance on the field should be taken into account. When prompted if it was acceptable for Bigsby to take over for him at any point in a game, Barkley showed no hesitation: "If that's what's going to help us win football games... I think Tank is a hell of a back."
While Barkley seems open to giving Bigsby more opportunities, the team has been hesitant to do so due to his high level of production. In 2025, only 12 running backs in the league boasted an even higher yards-per-carry average than Bigsby's 4.6 yards per carry on at least 280 carries - all nine of whom are Pro Bowlers. This makes it understandable that Coach Nick Sirianni and the Eagles coaching staff have been keen to keep Bigsby off the field, despite his undeniable talent.
However, as Barkley approaches his 30th birthday next season, there is growing concern among analysts about whether he will be able to maintain his current level of performance. With someone like Tank Bigsby waiting in the wings, it's possible that the Eagles may choose to utilize him more frequently in order to ensure their continued competitiveness on the field. Only time will tell if this decision ultimately proves beneficial for the team's success.
. But on the other hand, it seems like a bit of an opportunity cost – Bigsby is already showing he can do some big things, so what's holding them back? 
Maybe it's just smart team management, but I'm not sure it's gonna pay off in the long run...
. And what if Bigsby takes over for Barkley? Would the team really be better off with a younger back like that? Maybe Coach Sirianni knows something I don't... or maybe he's just trying to hold onto Barkley for another year 
. It's all so confusing, lol! 
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coach sirianni needs to give him more minutes ASAP or risk losing him to someone else who's willing to take on the role... and let's be real, with saquon barkley nearing his prime, tank is basically a future starter waiting in the wings 
. Plus, 16% of the team's carries is kinda low even for a backup 
... maybe they're just being too cautious? 
. The question is, how long can Barkley keep this up? He's not getting any younger, and the league is always evolving 
. I think the Eagles are wise to keep an eye on Bigsby and see if they can integrate him into their game plan more effectively 
. After all, experience says that holding onto talent doesn't always guarantee success...
The Eagles are being super conservative with him and it's just not fair to his skills. Saquon Barkley is older now and we all know how that works - he can't keep performing at the same level forever 
. Its not hard to see why coach Nick Sirianni wants to keep him in reserve - 4.6 yards per carry is insane for a backup!