Philadelphia’s depleted backfield took another hit before the first quarter was over Sunday.

Running back Carson Steele exited the Eagles’ game against the Carolina Panthers with an arm injury after a catch-and-run, leaving Dameon Pierce and Jaydon Blue as Philadelphia’s only available running backs. The Eagles entered the matchup without Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, and Tank Bigsby, putting an already thin rotation under more pressure. Barkley remained sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Shipley and Bigsby are on injured reserve.

Steele’s departure leaves Philadelphia with little flexibility for the remainder of the afternoon if he cannot return. Pierce and Blue would have to handle the backfield workload, including rushing attempts, receiving assignments, and protection responsibilities.

The Eagles signed Steele from the practice squad to the active roster earlier this month as injuries continued to reshape the position. Sunday gave him a chance to help stabilize that group, but another injury quickly complicated those plans.

Philadelphia must now lean on Pierce and Blue while awaiting more information on Steele’s availability.

Update

Steele is questionable to return with a shoulder injury.