Elijah Mitchell Joins Eagles Before Second Minicamp Practice

The Eagles signed Elijah Mitchell before their second open minicamp practice to the media, adding another veteran running back to a room already crowded with bodies. The move gives Philadelphia more competition behind Saquon Barkley and Tank Bigsby while the team continues sorting out its depth options.

Eagles Add Mitchell

Mitchell arrives after a run of injuries and a shrinking workload that changed his career path. He finished his rookie season with 963 rushing yards, five touchdowns and a 4.7 yards per carry average, but his playing time dropped sharply after the 49ers acquired Christian McCaffrey.

Since 2022, Mitchell has had 120 carries for 560 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games. A knee injury slowed his 2022 season and limited him to five games, then a hamstring injury wiped out his 2024 season. He also played in just one game with the Chiefs in 2025 and has not recorded a carry since 2023.

Will Shipley Leads Battle

Philadelphia had a roster spot to fill after trading away A.J. Brown, and the team used it on another runner rather than standing still. The Eagles also signed Dameon Pierce this offseason, and Carson Steele remains in the mix for the job.

Will Shipley is still the favorite to win that battle. He had 23 touches last season and served as the primary kick returner, which keeps him in position even as Philadelphia keeps adding experienced options around him.

Saquon Barkley And Tank Bigsby

The backfield already has Barkley and Bigsby at the top of the depth chart. Barkley is the highest paid running back in the NFL, and Bigsby was productive spelling him, so Mitchell is walking into a competition where touches are not easy to find.

For Mitchell, the assignment is simple: show enough in minicamp to stay in the conversation. For Philadelphia, the signing adds another veteran body to evaluate before the roster settles around Barkley, Bigsby and the players fighting for the remaining snaps.