Darren Sproles: Saints RB Is a Must-Sit in Week 9

Darren Sproles was held out of the New Orleans Saints practice again on Thursday with a hand injury. He's listed as questionable for Monday night according to CBS Sports.

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#Saints RB Darren Sproles held out of practice...not time to hit the panic button yet, but keep tabs on his progress: bit.ly/TQh5bv

— CBSFantasyFootball (@CBSFantasyFB) November 1, 2012"

While Sproles looks like a good start against the Philadelphia Eagles if healthy, I'm not sold on the matchup. He's been used primarily as a receiver for the Saints and has 114 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns spread over the last two weeks.

A 12-point average isn't terrible for a runner, but it is hard to rely on a back that offers little production aside from scoring. He had less than six points for yardage in each of the last three games.

This position requires consistency. Unless a running back has been a reliable scorer week-in and week-out, owners want to see production relative to yardage.

Philadelphia has been adequate on defense. The matchup with the Eagles shouldn't sway owners either way with starting Sproles.

The biggest issue with attempting to start Sproles is he plays on Monday night. His active/inactive status won't be known on Sunday and an owner that opts to lean on him could be left with an empty slot come Tuesday morning.

Owners without an attractive option to fill Sproles' spot can wait for updates on Saturday, but now is the time to consider waiver wire moves. 

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Darin Pike is a writer for Bleacher Report's Breaking News Team and a Featured Columnist covering the NFL and the Seattle Seahawks.