Kenjon Barner is currently the backup running back for the Philadelphia Eagles and there is a good chance he is on the waiver wire in your league. Barner could be worth a pickup or at least a good look as the starter in Philadelphia is Ryan Mathews. Ryan Mathews is infamous for getting injured and if that happens this season it will be Kenjon Barner that steps into the main rushing role.

Barner was traded from Carolina to the Eagles in 2o13, and has never been very productive in the NFL before. During his college years, Barner played under Chip Kelly at Oregon, where his speed and pass catching ability was used to the max. At his Oregon pro day, Barner ran a 4.38 40 yard dash, showing off that top end speed. Since 2010, Ryan Mathews has had 14 injuries that he has had to miss time for, and he will likely have to miss at least one game this season. Barner will be there to take over right away and show off his diverse skill set.

There are some other running backs in the Eagles backfield, and it won’t be all Kenjon all the time. Darren Sproles is still there and he will get his touches but he does not run the ball all that much, as the Eagles prefer to get him involved in the passing game and on special teams. Wendell Smallwood is also in Philadelphia but he does not have the same level of talent that Barner has, and Barner has clearly established himself ahead on the depth chart.

Barner is worth a pickup in deeper leagues and in shallower leagues he should be put on a watch list. Barner is 27, but still carries some value in keeper and dynasty leagues as there is still no clear franchise back on the Eagles.