HE’S BACCCCKKKK!!!!: Eagles Bring Back Jay Ajayi

HE’S BACCCCKKKK!!!!: Eagles Bring Back Jay Ajayi

A familiar face has returned to the NovaCare Complex. After injuries to Jordan Howard and Darren Sproles, Philadelphia took action and signed RB Jay Ajayi prior to their Week 11 matchup against the New England Patriots. After playing here during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, Ajayi is already familiar with the system and should see carries as soon as Sunday.

A fifth-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2015, Ajayi was used sparingly as a rookie before bursting onto the scene during his sophomore season. He became only the fourth player in NFL history to record consecutive 200+ yard rushing efforts and added a third 200-yard game later in the season. He finished the year with nearly 1,300 rushing yards. His productivity didn’t carry over into the next season though, and coach Adam Gase shipped him out at the trade deadline after becoming disgruntled with him. The Eagles received him for the mere price of a fourth-round pick, a trade many considered a Howie Roseman heist. 

He wasted no time making an impact for his new team and scored a touchdown in his first game as an Eagle. He continually ate into the carries of LeGarrette Blount as the season wore on, keeping both backs fresh for the postseason. Ajayi finished the 2017 postseason with 254 total yards and a Super Bowl ring. After opting to let Blount walk in free agency, Ajayi entered the 2018 season as the lead back. His season was cut short by an ACL tear in Week 5, and he hasn’t played since. Assuming he suits up for this week’s game, this will be his first action in over a calendar year. 

Howard is out for the Eagles, so we may be in line for an interesting three-headed monster in the Eagles backfield the following week.

-By: Micah Jimoh

Writer/Interviewer