The Philadelphia Eagles notably selected former Penn State Nittany Lions running back Miles Sanders in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. However, the Eagles have yet to see the soon-to-be rookie on the field atop the NFL level as Sanders continues to sit out of the team's practices at OTAs.

The Eagles have yet to reveal exactly why Sanders remains sidelined, though, as the former collegiate standout continues to watch from afar.

“Well-built glider with the instincts, footwork and agility to shake tacklers but the frame and pad level to finish with some authority,” reads his 2019 NFL Draft profile on NFL.com. “He can clearly create yardage for himself, but he has average acceleration and might need to expedite his downhill process as a pro. Sanders is more skilled than explosive, but he has the size and talent to develop into a future starter with every-down potential.”

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia Eagles News
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Ty Robinson (95) runs a drill during OTAs at NovaCare Complex.
Rising Philadelphia Eagles rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAsMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Saquon Barkley’s retirement admission will concern Eagles fansJake Faigus ·
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis (90) runs a drill during OTAs at NovaCare Complex.
Eagles’ Jordan Davis reveals secret behind incredible 2025 transformationMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates next to team owner Jeffrey Lurie and quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the Super Bowl LIX championship parade.
Eagles’ Saquon Barkley hype grows after bold Jeff Darlington takeJosh Davis ·
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Bryce Huff (0) is blocked by Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Terence Steele (78) tas he tries to rush the quarterback at Lincoln Financial Field.
Eagles’ Vic Fangio reveals why Bryce Huff didn’t work out in PhiladelphiaMatty Breisch ·
Sep 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; =Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Bryce Huff (0) looks on after a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
49ers’ Bryce Huff trade with Eagles officially completeJaren Kawada ·

Despite the fact that Sanders has continued to receive praise ever since being drafted by the Eagles, the up-and-coming rusher will be forced to split carries in 2019. With former Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard currently penciled in as the team's starter, Sanders will likely join Corey Clement, Josh Adams and Wendell Smallwood as key reserves for the Eagles — at least for now.

While Howard was acquired via trade from the Bears to give the Eagles a steady veteran presence in the backfield, the versatile Sanders could factor himself into the equation sooner rather than later as a speedy complementary back in Philadelphia.