Darren Sproles Reportedly Out Multiple Weeks with Hamstring Injury

Timothy Rapp @@TRappaRTFeatured ColumnistNovember 11, 2018

Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles in action during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles could miss three to four weeks after he re-injured his hamstring in practice, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Rapoport noted "the team will be cautious, making sure when he's back, it's for good."

Sproles, 35, was set to return to the Eagles after having missed all but one game this season because of the injury.

While Sproles has been excellent when he's on the field, his last two seasons have been marred by injuries. Last year, Sproles appeared in just three games before tearing his ACL and breaking his forearm on the same play in a September matchup against the New York Giants.

Sproles was excellent in his first three years with Philadelphia (2014-16), missing just two games while rushing for 1,084 yards and 11 scores. He was a major factor in the passing game as well, catching 147 balls for 1,202 yards and three touchdowns. And he was a difference-maker on special teams, scoring four times on punt returns.

That versatility made him valuable, though Sproles' hamstring has kept him sidelined for almost this entire season.

Zach Berman @ZBerm
Re: Sproles -- Pederson said there was a setback at practice, and noted every player heals differently. Didn't think there's been much mystery around the injury despite the seemingly lingering nature of it.

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Dave Zangaro @DZangaroNBCS
Doug Pederson says he’s still optimistic Darren Sproles will play this season. #Eagles

Philadelphia is already without running back Jay Ajayi, out for the season because of a torn ACL, so Sproles' prolonged absence has tested its depth at the position. Wendell Smallwood, Corey Clement and Josh Adams have served in a committee, but the Eagles have been mediocre in the running game, averaging 106.6 yards per game (18th in the NFL).

Philadelphia has been more equipped to replace Sproles' production in the passing game with a solid receiving duo in Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor (and now the recently acquired Golden Tate) and one of the best tight end duos in football in Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert.

Getting Sproles back at some point would make for a nice addition for the Eagles, giving Carson Wentz another weapon with which to stress opposing defenses. Based on Rapoport's report Sunday morning, however, it appears Sproles may not be available for at least a few weeks.