The Brandon Graham comeback is nearly complete.

When we got the breaking news during Thursday’s WIP Midday Show, it was far from surprising. Graham had hinted at the chance to come back if the Eagles made it this far, and now his practice window is officially open.

And while we’ll all be watching Graham’s day-by-day progress on the injury report and what he says during Super Bowl week about his chances to be activated and a part of the game, here’s another under-the-radar injury return to keep a close eye on.

Kenny Gainwell.

The Eagles No. 2 back went out of the NFC Championship with a concussion, and was listed on Wednesday and Thursday’s injury reports as DNP (did not practice) with concussion and knee injuries. It’s probably safe to assume that had the game been schedule for this coming Sunday, Gainwell wouldn’t have made it out of protocol to be able to play.

Le't’s hope that changes by Sunday Feb. 9.

While it’s easy to just dismiss the loss of a backup to the best player on the team, we shouldn’t just dismiss Gainwell’s contributions to this team. On the season, earned about 26 percent of the snap counts on offense. Think of those drives where Barkley gets a blow, or two-minute drills where Gainwell is the back on the field. It would be a stretch to call Gainwell a “significant” player but dismissing his loss (especially factoring in special teams) is far from insignificant.

When I think of Gainwell and his possible importance in the Super Bowl, I think about the possibility of a two-minute drill before the end of the first half. Perhaps Saquon already has 14 carries, and the staff decides he needs the extended rest of a series off to be fresh for the second half. That means the second back is up for the series, which will consist of critical pass protection calls and potentially an opportunity for a catch out of the backfield.

I like Will Shipley (his burst has been on display since our shows from training camp) and think he has a good future here as a No. 2 back. But do you really want a rookie with that kind of responsibility on the biggest stage? I don’t.

Gainwell is an underrated player. We’re probably a month from a team paying him to get him out of Philadelphia during free agency. He blocks, returns kicks and can make a “did you see that?” play out of the backfield once in a while. I trust him in a big spot over a rookie.

Here’s hoping Gainwell is cleared by game day. The Eagles are a better team if he’s out there.

Has Barkley already passed Bryce Harper on the all-time Philly free agent list? We debated on the show.

I took a look at one more veteran arm the Phillies should add before spring training on WIP Daily.

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