PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles will always use a rotation with their running backs, but it seems likely that coach Doug Pederson is considering a more clearly defined pecking order.

Through five weeks, especially recently, there’s been a more even split between Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders at the top of the rotation, with Darren Sproles occasionally mixing in.

Both Howard and Sanders have 53 carries. Sanders has played 145 offensive snaps, Howard has played 125.

Now, Sproles could be out for a while and, going forward, the Eagles are leaning toward a No. 1 and a No. 2, instead of a 1A and 1B.

That is — Howard will likely be the lead running back going forward, though Sanders will still get his fair share of touches. At least, that was the implication from Pederson at his Monday press conference.

“I think moving forward, it’s kinda going that way,” Pederson said. “Again, I can’t sit here and tell you if Miles has the hot hand one day that he gets more touches, but right now that’s the trend.”

It's easy to see why.

Simply, Howard has been running the ball better than Sanders.

The two have the exact same number of carries, only Howard has gained 62 more rushing yards with four touchdowns on the ground and one as a pass-catcher. Sanders has yet to score this season. Howard is also among the NFL leaders in first-down conversions (17) and runs of 10 yards or more (nine).

Also: among running backs who have played at least 20 percent of their team snaps, Pro Football Focus has Sanders graded as the worst running back in the NFL, or 48th overall.

Howard has been especially productive the last two weeks. Among running backs who have played at least 10 snaps, he ranks 15th overall in PFF’s grading, with the 11th-most yards and fourth-most first downs. He’s also averaging 6.4 yards after contact in the last two weeks, good for seventh.

Now, Sanders has proven to be the more dynamic receiving option and the Penn State alum is also quicker and more explosive than Howard, so the rookie will continue to have a significant role. He has PFF’s 11th-best receiving grade among all running backs (min. 10 targets) and leads in yards per catch.

This is a true thunder-and-lighting running back combination, and Pederson is making the wise choice to make Howard the featured member of this new two-man rotation.

“We’re really happy with both of them,” Pederson said.

Zack Rosenblatt may be reached at zrosenblatt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ZackBlatt. Find NJ.com on Facebook.