The Philadelphia Eagles added another name to their practice squad on Tuesday, signing free agent running back Ian Wheeler as the team tries to shore up a thinned-out backfield.
Wheeler, who turned 25 in September, went undrafted out of Howard in the 2024 NFL Draft and has bounced through stops with the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Louisville Kings of the UFL, and most recently the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo released him in late August.
His strongest résumé comes from the United Football League. Wheeler was a key piece for the 2026 UFL Champion Louisville Kings and was named the 2026 UFL United Bowl MVP after helping them beat the DC Defenders 27-20.
In nine regular-season games, he ranked fourth in the UFL with 370 rushing yards on 68 carries and tied for second in rushing touchdowns with six. He also handled kick returns, finishing with 13 returns for 370 yards and a 28.5-yard average.
His 776 all-purpose yards placed him fifth in the league.
Philadelphia’s running back room is in rough shape heading into Week 6. Saquon Barkley is still working through a hamstring injury, Tank Bigsby is on injured reserve, and Will Shipley is expected to miss multiple games with a foot issue. That leaves Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele as the only backs currently on the roster.
Wheeler now joins Jaydon Blue on the practice squad as added depth at the position.
The Eagles’ updated practice squad also includes OT John Ojukwu, OL Kiran Amegadjie, OL James Brockermeyer, DB Dean Clark, WR Erik Ezukanma, WR Xavier Gipson, DT Gabe Hall, EDGE Keyshawn James-Newby, EDGE Mason Reiger, OL Xavier Truss, EDGE Joshua Weru, DT Zion Wilson, and S Cole Wisniewski.
DT Uar Bernard is on the practice squad injured list.
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