According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, newly acquired running back Jay Ajayi will make his Eagles debut later today in a home stand against the Broncos.
#Eagles RB Jay Ajayi, fresh off a trade from the #Dolphins, will play today for his new team, source said. Expect a small package of plays.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2017
Doug Pederson was previously non-committal on whether or not the Pro Bowler would make an appearance against the ferocious Denver Defense, although did share some insight as to what we could expect if the 24-year old Brit did see some action.
“No, it’s very limited – 10 to 15 plays. I just want him to feel comfortable there.” Pederson said of Ajayi’s playbook knowledge. “But it’s a taste of a little bit of every aspect of the offense, you know what I’m saying? So first and second and third down; we’ll find out a little bit more today in the red zone. Stuff like that.”
“But it definitely won’t be the full complement of the playbook.”
Ajayi has been marginalized for the Dolphins this year with 465 yards and no touchdowns so far. But when you factor in the weak offensive line, distractions all around and the quarterback controversy, it’s safe to say that behind one of the more consistent lines in the NFL, Ajayi has the potential to wreak havoc.
Originally a fifth-round draft choice of the Dolphins in 2015 (149th overall), Ajayi has played in 31 games (19 starts) and has carried 447 times for 1,924 yards and 9 TDs.
In 2016, Ajayi earned a Pro Bowl berth after finishing fourth in the NFL with 1,272 rushing yards, marking the third-highest single-season total in Dolphins’ history. Over the course of the season, Ajayi registered three 200-yard rushing games, becoming just the fourth player in NFL history to accomplish the feat. His 200-yard games earned him three AFC Offensive Player of the Week awards and he was named Miami’s 2016 Dan Marino Most Valuable Player.
“He’s done a nice job.” The Eagles Head Coach said when asked about his progress. “He’s a smart guy. He comes from an offense that uses very similar terminology, so he’s familiar with that. He’s picked it up. He’s had some extra meetings with [Eagles RBs coach] Duce [Staley] this week. We’re trying to get him up to speed as fast as he can and we can. He’s done a nice job.”
Fans will likely get their first look at Ajayi a little later this afternoon.
Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
