Eagles Sign Elijah Mitchell and Reshuffle Backfield Before Cowboys Game

The Philadelphia Eagles are making another round of roster changes to address injuries in their running back group ahead of their Week 7 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The team announced five transactions on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, signing veteran Elijah Mitchell to the practice squad while waiving Jaydon Blue and Carson Steele and releasing Ian Wheeler and center James Brockermeyer. The moves come as Philadelphia continues to manage injuries to several running backs, including Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley and Tank Bigsby.

According to The Eagles Wire, the team has lost multiple backfield options in recent weeks, leaving Dameon Pierce as a key available option while Barkley works toward returning from a hamstring injury. Mitchell, 28, returns to Philadelphia after previously joining the organization in June and participating in training camp. The Eagles placed him on injured reserve in August before waiving him with an injury settlement.

His return provides another experienced option as the team prepares for Dallas.

According to Bleeding Green Nation, Mitchell has recorded 327 career rushing attempts for 1,523 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, with nine touchdowns. He previously played for the San Francisco 49ers, leading the team with 963 rushing yards as a rookie in 2021.

Mitchell also has familiarity with Philadelphia's offensive system after spending the summer with the team. However, his practice squad signing does not guarantee that he will be elevated to the active roster for Monday night's game against the Cowboys. Carson Steele was waived with an injury designation after suffering an arm or shoulder injury during Philadelphia's Week 6 loss to the Carolina Panthers. According to Bleeding Green Nation, Steele entered the game as the team's second running back behind Pierce and recorded a four-yard reception before leaving with the injury.

Steele had recently been promoted from the practice squad to the active roster on October 9. If he clears waivers, he will revert to the Eagles' injured reserve list, according to Bleeding Green Nation. Jaydon Blue was also waived after joining Philadelphia's active roster the previous week. The Eagles had signed the running back to their practice squad on August 31 after the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Blue was expected to provide additional depth behind Pierce and Steele, but he did not play any offensive or special teams snaps during his time with Philadelphia's active roster, according to Bleeding Green Nation. The team could consider bringing him back to the practice squad if he clears waivers. Philadelphia also released Ian Wheeler and center James Brockermeyer from its practice squad.

Wheeler had joined the unit on October 15 to provide additional running back depth, while Brockermeyer was signed earlier in October to strengthen the team's options at center. The Eagles placed Bigsby on injured reserve on October 6 and Shipley on injured reserve on October 16, according to The Eagles Wire. Barkley injured his hamstring in Week 4 and missed Philadelphia's subsequent games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers.

Pierce started against Carolina in Week 6 and rushed for 35 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, according to PennLive. His role could expand if Barkley remains unavailable for the Week 7 contest.

Philadelphia's roster changes follow a 25-14 loss to Carolina, according to The Eagles Wire. The Eagles are also attempting to end a four-game losing streak, making their running back rotation an important personnel issue heading into the matchup with Dallas. Mitchell will have an opportunity to work with the team during practice before the Cowboys game. His eventual role will depend in part on Barkley's recovery and the Eagles' available running back options.