Eagles running back Trey Sermon may play an elevated role in the 2023 NFL season
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni explained the running back may be a featured part of the Eagles’ offense.
It is hard to imagine a running back that had two carries for 19 yards in the 2022 NFL season playing a prominent role in any offense.
But Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni expects Trey Sermon, the rarely used reserve back, to take steps forward within the Eagles' offense in the 2023 NFL season.
“Trey didn’t get an opportunity to showcase his talents except for that game against Jacksonville …" Sirianni said. "But I can’t tell you how many times at practice he made a cut, or you just saw him in his pads, or he made a play on a screen or whatever it was, and you’re like, ‘Man, this guy has a chance to be really good.’”
Not too long ago Sermon was a third-round selection by the San Francisco 49ers in 2021.
He lasted one season before he was waived by the 49ers before being picked up by Philadelphia.
It is interesting to think about what Sirianni could conjure up offensively with a running back of Sermon's skill set.
At six-foot, 200 pounds, Sermon has the versatility to run between the tackles while also the elusiveness to play on the outside.
But getting playing time is not a guarantee in 2023.
Philadelphia signed Rashaad Penny to a one-year deal, but he’s dealt with injuries. Additionally, Kenneth Gainwell is a true dual-threat utilized chiefly on third downs or passing situations.
If Sermon can manage to work his way into Philadelphia's running back rotation, getting an opportunity to shine, he may prove the Eagles' one of the most shrewd franchises in the NFL.
And think, the last time Sermon received ample playing time was at Ohio State, where he amassed 965 yards from the line of scrimmage and four touchdowns.
Though the chances of him producing the same way at the NFL level are slim, the potential is still in him, somewhere. And if anyone can bring it out, it is Sirianni, who has a knack for getting the most out of each guy on the roster.
