The Philadelphia Eagles surprised even some longtime fans by releasing Audric Estime from their practice squad on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 — just 11 days after he signed. The move, confirmed by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, isn’t about performance. It’s about space. With only four running back spots on the active roster and the team heading into a critical Week 11 matchup against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, every decision carries weight. Estime, a 23-year-old former Notre Dame standout, had shown flashes in training camp. But in the NFL, flashes don’t always translate to roster spots — especially when you’re competing with a Pro Bowl-caliber starter.
Who’s Left on the Depth Chart?
The Eagles’ running back hierarchy is clear: Saquon Barkley, 27, is the undisputed engine. Signed to a three-year, $36 million deal with $26 million guaranteed in March 2024, he’s the only player on the roster who commands that kind of investment. Behind him, Tank Bigsby, 23, has quietly become a reliable complement — physical, efficient, and durable. The other two spots? Still wide open.
That’s where things get messy. The Eagles signed Lew Nichols, 25, to the practice squad on January 30, 2025, and he’s been quietly climbing the ladder. But they’ve also kept Rashaad Penny (who was re-signed after a brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks) on the roster, giving them four names: Barkley, Bigsby, Penny, and Nichols. Estime was the odd man out. Not because he didn’t run hard — he did. But because the Eagles value versatility, and Nichols brings a slightly different skill set: better pass protection, more experience in zone schemes, and a proven track record in the Mountain West conference.
A Roster Crunch Built on Injuries and Transitions
This isn’t just about Estime. It’s about a pattern. Since the end of the 2024 season, the Eagles have made 12 transactions involving running backs — more than any other position. They’ve cut, signed, waived, and re-signed players like a chess team adjusting pieces after every opponent’s move. Why? Because injuries have piled up. Dr. Neeru Jayanthi, the team’s head physician at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, confirmed 17 players have landed on injured reserve this season. That includes linebacker Nakobe Dean, who’s still out, and tight end Dallas Goedert, who returned in January but isn’t yet at full speed.
Meanwhile, the team’s front office, led by Howie Roseman, has been forced to shuffle roles. They’ve promoted fullbacks, converted defensive backs to special teams, and even brought back veteran Charley Huglett after initially releasing him. The message? Flexibility is survival.
Why This Matters Beyond the Practice Squad
Estime’s release isn’t just a roster tweak — it’s a signal. The Eagles aren’t trying to rebuild. They’re trying to win now. And in the NFC East, where every game is a brawl, they need running backs who can protect the quarterback, catch screens, and grind out yards in the fourth quarter. Estime was a power runner with good hands, but he struggled in pass protection during preseason. Nichols didn’t. That’s the difference between a practice squad hopeful and a guy who might see 12 snaps on Sunday.
And the timing? Brutal. The Eagles lost back-to-back games in Week 9 and Week 10 — both at Lincoln Financial Field — including a 27-24 heartbreaker to the Washington Commanders on November 9. Their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. They need a consistent ground game to take pressure off Jalen Hurts. That means the final two running back spots aren’t just about talent. They’re about fit, durability, and situational awareness.
What’s Next? The Giants Game and Beyond
With the game against the New York Giants on November 16, the Eagles have 48 hours to finalize their roster. Will they promote someone from the practice squad? Sign a free agent? Bring back Miles Sanders, who was released last offseason? All options are on the table. But one thing’s certain: the Eagles aren’t playing for the future. They’re playing for the next 14 days.
For Estime? He’ll likely land on another team’s practice squad by Friday. Maybe the New England Patriots, who’ve been quietly scouting him. Or the Baltimore Ravens, who need depth behind J.K. Dobbins. He’s got the tape. He’s got the grit. But in the NFL, timing is everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Eagles release Audric Estime after only 11 days?
The Eagles have only four running back spots on their active roster, and with injuries and performance needs, they prioritized versatility over raw power. Estime, while talented, struggled in pass protection — a key requirement in their offensive scheme. Lew Nichols, who was signed months earlier, offered better blocking skills and scheme fit, making Estime expendable despite his college production.
Who are the current running backs on the Eagles’ active roster?
The confirmed running backs are Saquon Barkley (starter), Tank Bigsby, Rashaad Penny, and Lew Nichols. Penny was re-signed after a brief stint with Seattle, and Nichols has been on the practice squad since January 2025, steadily earning trust from coaches.
How has the Eagles’ injury situation impacted their running back depth?
Since the start of the 2025 season, the Eagles have placed 17 players on injured reserve, including key contributors like linebacker Nakobe Dean. While no running back has gone down yet, the constant roster churn reflects a team preparing for worst-case scenarios. Every backup spot is treated like a potential emergency replacement — which is why Estime’s lack of pass-blocking experience became a dealbreaker.
What does this mean for Saquon Barkley’s workload?
With only three backups, Barkley is likely to see his snap count rise — possibly nearing 80% in upcoming games. That’s risky for a 27-year-old coming off a major ACL tear in 2023. The Eagles are betting that his durability and offensive line strength can carry him, but if he falters, the lack of depth could derail their playoff push.
Could Audric Estime return to the Eagles later this season?
Yes — if another running back gets hurt or is traded, Estime could be re-signed to the practice squad or even promoted. Teams often bring back players they’ve cut if they fit a specific need. But he’d need to be available and the Eagles would have to clear a spot, which means another player would have to go — a rare move mid-season unless forced by injury.
Why didn’t the Eagles keep Estime for special teams?
Estime has never been a core special teams contributor — his college stats show zero special teams tackles. The Eagles already have two dedicated gunners on punt coverage and two reliable kickoff returners. With only 53 roster spots, they prioritize players who contribute on multiple units. Estime didn’t offer that, so he was the first to go when the numbers didn’t add up.
