Eagles Waive Jaydon Blue and Reshape Running Back Group

Philadelphia is reshaping its running back depth as Saquon Barkley prepares to return from a hamstring injury, with the Eagles waiving former Dallas Cowboys draft pick Jaydon Blue on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. The team also signed Elijah Mitchell, waived Carson Steele with an injury designation and released Ian Wheeler, according to PennLive.

The moves leave the Eagles planning to rely on Barkley, Dameon Pierce and Mitchell at running back. Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley remain on injured reserve, limiting Philadelphia's available options at the position.

Blue's departure comes less than two months after Philadelphia signed him following his release by Dallas. The 22-year-old now faces the prospect of joining a third NFL team within three months.

The Eagles signed Blue on Aug. 31, after the Cowboys waived him during their final roster cuts ahead of the regular season. He went unclaimed on waivers, giving him the opportunity to choose his next team.

Blue initially joined Steele and Pierce on Philadelphia's practice squad and spent most of the season there. The Eagles subsequently promoted him to the active roster after quarterback Jalen Hurts landed on injured reserve with blood clots.

Despite that promotion, Blue did not record a rushing attempt or an offensive snap in Philadelphia's Sunday loss to the Carolina Panthers, according to PennLive. His limited on-field involvement preceded the latest roster changes.

Dallas selected Blue with the 149th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Before entering the professional ranks, he played for Texas, where he produced 1,098 all-purpose yards during the 2024 season.

His production at Texas included 730 rushing yards and 368 receiving yards, according to PennLive. Those figures highlighted his contributions in both phases of the offense during his final college season.

Philadelphia's latest adjustments also bring Mitchell into the running back rotation as the team anticipates Barkley's return. With Bigsby and Shipley on injured reserve, the Eagles have identified Barkley, Pierce and Mitchell as their expected options at the position.