Eagles' Kenjon Barner: Could serve as backup to Matthews

Barner may open the season as the top backup to Ryan Mathews, according to CSN Philadelphia's Reuben Frank.

Analysis:

Barner ran for 76 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries (5.8 YPC) in Philly's first two preseason games, boosting his stock while fifth-round rookie Wendell Smallwood (quad) watched from the sideline. Although he won't actually land any higher than No. 3 on the depth chart, Barner could be next in line to serve as the lead runner in the event of a Ryan Mathews injury, as pint-sized Darren Sproles had more targets than carries in each of the last six seasons. Given the unlikelihood of Sproles handling a heavy workload on the ground, Barner and/or Smallwood will probably need to pick up most of Mathews' carries if the oft-injured veteran misses time this season. However, Barnes is listed at just 5-foot-9, 195 pounds, which could work against him in such a scenario. Smallwood is also known for his quickness and receiving skills more so than his power, but he does come closer to the typical NFL mold for a running back, checking in at 5-foot-10, 208 pounds.