Brightwell was already the Giants’ kick returner. But he was also the running back on the Giants’ second series. His first carry went for 14 yards and his next went for 3. Brightwell came into the game with 9 carries for 50 yards. Barkley got some chances as well. He came into the game second in the NFL in carries with 242.
Brightwell is one of two Delaware high school players on the Giants. The other, wide receiver David Sills from Red Lion Christian, was not on the game-day roster.
CB Avonte Maddox is making his return after missing the previous four games with a hamstring injury. Maddox was activated off of injured reserve Saturday. LB Christian Elliss received a practice-squad elevation for the second straight week. Elliss was used on special teams.
The Eagles’ inactives are QB Ian Book, RB Trey Sermon, LB Shaun Bradley, DE Janarius Robinson, G Josh Sills, G Sua Opeta.
For the Giants, RB Saquon Barkley (neck) is playing, but DE Leonard Williams is not. Williams (knee) was listed as doubtful.
Miracle at the Meadowlands memory
The Eagles have had some memorable late-season games since MetLife Stadium opened in 2010, none more so than the Miracle of the Meadowlands Part II game later that year on Dec. 19.
The Eagles trailed 31-10 with less than 10 minutes remaining when they scored three touchdowns to tie the game. They won it on DeSean Jackson’s 65-yard punt return as time expired. On the punt return, Jackson at first fumbled the ball, picked it up, then burst down the right sideline before cutting all the way across the field as time expired.
