Philadelphia Eagles Bench Tank Bigsby After Costly Mistakes; Special Teams Coach Says “We Have a Lot of Options”

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles’ special teams unit has been a problem area all season — and the team’s patience with running back Tank Bigsby may be wearing thin. After a string of costly miscues, including a muffed kickoff in last week’s loss to the New York Giants, Bigsby has officially been benched.

Special teams coordinator Michael Clay addressed the move during Tuesday’s media availability, and while he didn’t rule out a potential return for Bigsby, his comments made it clear that the rookie’s leash is getting shorter.

“It’s not like you’re going to get benched for the year after one mistake,” Clay said, via Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “But we have a lot of options.”

That single statement summed up the reality of the situation: Bigsby’s spot on special teams is far from secure.

From Promise to Problem

When the Eagles traded for Tank Bigsby earlier this season, the move was meant to bolster both the backfield depth and the return game. A 2023 third-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bigsby came to Philadelphia with high expectations. His speed, vision, and collegiate résumé at Auburn suggested he could be an explosive returner — the kind of player who could flip field position and bring new life to the Eagles’ special teams unit.

But five games into his tenure, the results have been disappointing.

Bigsby has averaged 20.8 yards per kick return on nine attempts, well below the NFL league average of 25.4. More concerning than the numbers, however, has been his decision-making and ball security.

In the Eagles’ Week 6 loss to the New York Giants, Bigsby muffed a first-half kickoff that backed Philadelphia’s offense up to its own seven-yard line. It was a costly mistake that killed early momentum and drew visible frustration from both coaches and teammates on the sideline.

“It’s one thing to make a mistake,” one Eagles player said anonymously. “But in this league, you can’t keep putting your team in bad positions. Every yard matters.”

Bigsby did not return any kicks after that play, and his role on special teams has been drastically reduced since.

Clay Sends a Message

Coach Michael Clay’s comments on Tuesday were diplomatic but firm. The Eagles, he made clear, are looking for consistency and reliability — two traits Bigsby hasn’t shown.

“Special teams is all about trust,” Clay said. “When you’re fielding kicks, it’s not just about athleticism. It’s about making smart decisions, securing the football, and putting the offense in a good position. We have confidence in Tank’s ability, but we also have confidence in our depth.”

That depth includes several potential replacements. Veteran wide receiver Britain Covey, currently on the practice squad, has a strong chance of reclaiming his former role. Covey was one of the league’s most reliable returners last season and was re-signed by the Eagles before the start of the regular season.

“We’ve got guys who have done it before,” Clay said. “Competition brings out the best in everyone.”

A Tough Adjustment for Bigsby

For Bigsby, the benching represents an early crossroads in his young career. After being traded from Jacksonville, the 22-year-old back hoped to carve out a niche in Philadelphia’s crowded backfield. Instead, he’s struggled to find rhythm in either phase of the game.

Offensively, Bigsby has seen limited snaps behind D’Andre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell, and Boston Scott, touching the ball only a handful of times through six games. On special teams, his lack of impact — and costly mistakes — have now led to a demotion.

“It’s tough,” said former Eagle and NBC Sports analyst Barrett Brooks. “Tank’s got talent, no question. But the Eagles are in a win-now mode. If you’re not producing, you don’t get the benefit of time to figure it out.”

Bigsby has not spoken publicly since the benching, but sources within the team say he’s been professional in handling the situation. “He’s still putting in work,” one teammate said. “He knows he has to earn back the coaches’ trust.”

A Broader Issue for the Eagles

The decision to bench Bigsby is part of a larger pattern for the Eagles, who have been searching for answers on special teams all season. The unit has been inconsistent since Week 1, allowing long returns, missing tackles, and failing to generate explosive plays of their own.

Through six weeks, Philadelphia ranks 23rd in kickoff return average and 25th in starting field position, according to Pro Football Focus. These struggles have placed extra pressure on Jalen Hurts and the offense to overcome poor field position.

Head coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged the problem earlier this week, noting that “special teams has to be a strength, not a liability.”

While Sirianni didn’t call out Bigsby by name, his message was clear: the team can’t afford preventable mistakes.

The Path Forward

Looking ahead to Week 7 against the Minnesota Vikings, it appears likely that Britain Covey will handle return duties, at least temporarily. The Eagles may also explore other options, including rookie corner Cooper DeJean, who returned kicks at Iowa, or even veteran Quez Watkins.

As for Bigsby, his future in the rotation remains uncertain. Clay said he wouldn’t rule out giving the young back another opportunity later in the season — if he earns it.

“We’re not closing the door on anyone,” Clay said. “Tank’s got a lot of talent, and he’s still learning our system. But this league moves fast, and every player has to make the most of their reps.”

The Eagles’ decision also underscores a larger theme within the organization: accountability. Fangio’s defense has benched players for inconsistency, and now special teams appears to be following suit.

A Wake-Up Call

For Tank Bigsby, this moment could serve as a wake-up call — and perhaps a turning point. The Eagles value his potential, but in a competitive environment where every snap counts, potential alone isn’t enough.

Former Eagles linebacker Seth Joyner summed it up best on NBC Sports Philadelphia: “This is Philadelphia. If you’re on the field, you’re expected to perform. If you can’t, someone else will.”

Whether Bigsby can rebound remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Eagles are no longer waiting for him to figure it out.

The Bottom Line

The Philadelphia Eagles made a statement this week — not just to Tank Bigsby, but to the entire locker room. Mistakes have consequences, and playing time must be earned.

With the team sitting at 4–2 and fighting to stay atop the NFC East, the margin for error is razor-thin. For now, Bigsby’s focus will be on regaining the trust of his coaches and teammates.

If he can turn this setback into motivation, the benching might just become the lesson that defines his career.