Boston Scott vs. Kenneth Gainwell: Who Steps Up With Miles Sanders, Jordan Howard Injured?

The Philadelphia Eagles got some bad news after it was confirmed that Miles Sanders broke his hand in Sunday’s 34-10 victory over the Giants. Jalen Hurts and the rest of the offense was more than enough for the inferior G-Men, but the Eagles are hoping he can return at some point but confirmed he will be out this week against the Washington Football Team. 

While this is a blow to the Eagles, Sanders is not the only reason that Philly has the top-ranked rushing offense in the NFL. In fact, when Sanders was forced to miss three games earlier in the season, the team’s overall rushing numbers skyrocketed. They did have the luxury of being able to lean on Jordan Howard during that time, however. Howard was also injured after suffering a stinger against the New York Football Giants. While he could return for Week 17, his availability is still uncertain as of right now. 

Boston Scott or Kenneth Gainwell?

So, that leaves the Eagles with Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell to try and pick up the slack. The pair won't be alone, however, with dual-threat QB Jalen Hurts the best healthy rusher on the team. 

The lion’s share of the running back work will likely be handled by Boston Scott, who filled in against the Giants in Week 16. Scott had 12 carries for 21 yards and a touchdown. On the season, Scott has 236 yards and five touchdowns. So, he is capable of handling the spotlight and has succeeded in limited work thus far. Scott ran for 181 yards on 33 carries in the three games that Sanders missed earlier in the year. 

If Howard is good to go, the pair make for a potent duo. If not, Scott will be backed up by rookie Kenneth Gainwell. Gainwell has a 3.8 yard per carry average this season after running for 209 yards on 55 touches. He has chipped in four touchdowns. The rookie has had more of an impact in the passing game with 29 receptions for 244 yards and an additional touchdown. While those are promising numbers, Gainwell was hardly a part of last week’s win. He played just two snaps even with Sanders and Howard out of the game. 

There is a good chance that Howard returns and works with Scott and Fields to lead the rushing game for the Eagles. It was very telling that Gainwell saw just two snaps the whole time that No. 1 and 2 were sidelined. I don’t think Gainwell sees any work significant work out of the backfield unless it is absolutely necessary for the Eagles to give it to him.