Philadelphia Eagles rookie running back Will Shipley put his dual-threat abilities on display in the Birds’ preseason win over the Baltimore Ravens on Friday night.
Not only did Shipley score his first NFL touchdown on a seven-yard pass from backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, but he also rushed for 23 yards on seven carries.
Will Shipley finds an opening and the @Eagles take the lead 🦅
📱: Stream #PHIvsBAL on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/aX9ovd8Cls
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024
“I had no clue what my celly was going to be,” Shipley said after the game, “so that was the first thing that went through my head.”
The Eagles selected Shipley out of Clemson in the fourth round of the NFL Draft back in April.
Before making the jump to the NFL, Shipley was a three-year starter for the Tigers where he totaled 2,747 yards and 31 touchdowns on 526 career rushing attempts along with 602 yards and two touchdowns on 85 catches.
The Eagles already have two solid backs in Saquon Barkley and Kenny Gainwell, but Shipley showing off his versatility early as a rookie like he did on Friday could earn him more than just a practice squad spot.
In addition to his touchdown, Shipley picked up a blitz to protect Pickett in the pocket as the Eagles’ QB completed a pass to veteran wideout John Ross.
While it was a great rep by Shipley, pass protection is an area that he must continue to make improvement in.
“Pass protection is something I definitely need to improve in my game,” Shipley said. “To be able to have a couple successful opportunities tonight and to go through on those, have great communication with the O-line and they did a great job of letting me know what their call was so I knew who I was on, knew were my read keys were, had my eyes in the right place. Just protected the quarterback. That’s the name of the game.”
Impressive pass pro rep by Will Shipley. That’s the biggest box he has to check to be able to get onto the field in the regular season. pic.twitter.com/K5R6w2Q4qP
— Shane Haff (@ShaneHaffNFL) August 10, 2024
Overall, it was a great night for Shipley and certainly one he won’t forget.
“It’s monumental for me,” Shipley said. “Getting out there, calming the nerves a little bit, reassuring myself that I can do it at this level. Go out there and just continue to be my best, try to help this team out anyway I can. But to get in the end zone was a special feeling I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
