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UPDATE: NFL insider Ian Rapoport says the Eagles intend to re-sign Jay Ajayi. The Eagles could open up a roster spot for him by placing Darren Sproles on injured reserve.
The #Eagles intend to sign FA RB Jay Ajayi, source said. He worked out this morning and they are deep in talks. The top veteran still available, he’s healthy after an ACL tear and returns to the team that traded for him in 2017. Helps make up for the loss of Darren Sproles.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 15, 2019
ORIGINAL STORY BELOW.
Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Jay Ajayi is visiting the NovaCare Complex on Friday, according to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
The 26-year-old Ajayi hasn’t suited up since tearing his ACL in last year’s October 7 Eagles versus Vikings game. Ajayi was also playing through a fractured back before his 2018 season was cut short.
Ajayi has been a free agent since March and he’s garnered some workouts since then but no team has been willing to sign him. That could change on Friday with his visit to Philly.
The Eagles could suddenly find themselves needing another running back. Darren Sproles seemingly re-aggravated his quadriceps injury after unexpectedly missing Thursday’s practice. Eagles leading rusher Jordan Howard has been limited in practice this week due to a shoulder injury suffered in the Bears game. If both Sproles and Howard can’t play, the Eagles would be down to just Miles Sanders and Boston Scott in the backfield.
Ajayi was an effective contributor for the Eagles after they acquired him ahead of the 2017 NFL trade deadline. In 14 games with Philly (including playoffs), the man they call the Jay Train logged 157 carries for 776 yards (4.9 average), and four rushing touchdowns. He also had 21 receptions for 181 yards and one score. On the downside, ball security was an issue as Ajayi did have four fumbles.
It remains to be seen if Ajayi can still be a valuable contributor following his injury. The Eagles will check up on his medicals during Friday’s visit. The fact the team is bringing him in so late in the week seems like a strong indicator they’ll actually sign him, but we’ll see.
Ajayi had nine carries for 57 yards (6.3 average) in the Eagles’ win over the Patriots in Super Bowl LII. Maybe he can help Philly beat the Pats again this weekend?