Darren Sproles

Philadelphia Eagles
Running Back #43
Philadelphia Eagles
Running Back #43

Darren Sproles News

Retiring at end of 2019

Sproles (hip) will retire after this season, Daniel Gallen of The Harrisburg Patriot-News reports.

Analysis: This marks the end of the road for a great career from Sproles, who was a three-time Pro Bowler during his lengthy stint in the NFL. Sproles racked up 3,552 rushing yards, 4,840 receiving yards and 55 touchdowns from scrimmage and had nine special teams touchdowns as well.

Dec 21, 2019 10:08 AM EST


Season officially over

The Eagles placed Sproles (hip) on injured reserve Friday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio reports.

Analysis: The transaction officially puts a bow on Sproles' 2019 campaign, and perhaps his time in the NFL as well. After back-to-back injury shortened seasons, Sproles mulled retirement for most of the spring before ultimately re-signing with Philadelphia on a one-year deal in July. Unfortunately, a quadriceps injury kept Sproles out for three games during the first half of the Eagles' schedule before he returned to action Week 9, only for the running back to suffer a full tear of his right hip flexor muscle during Wednesday's practice. In response to Sproles' latest injury, the Eagles signed Jay Ajayi to provide backfield depth behind Jordan Howard (shoulder), Miles Sanders and Boston Scott.

Nov 15, 2019 1:55 PM EST



Won't return this season

Sproles (quadriceps) will miss the rest of the season after being diagnosed with a torn right hip flexor muscle Friday.

Analysis: Sproles missed Thursday's practice with what was labeled as a quadriceps injury, but it appears he was actually dealing with the hip issue. The 36-year-old apparently suffered a partial tear of the hip flexor in early October but was cleared to return for Week 9 versus the Bears, but he sustained the full tear after practicing at the start of this week. It's the third consecutive season Sproles has missed 10-plus games, so it could end up being the end of his 15-year career. Fellow RB Jordan Howard (shoulder) is also banged up, so former-Eagle Jay Ajayi has a workout with the team Friday.

Nov 15, 2019 7:20 AM EST


Quad issue resurfaces

Sproles didn't participate in Thursday's practice due to a quadriceps injury.

Analysis: Sproles missed three consecutive games earlier in the season due to a quad issue, so it's somewhat disconcerting that the same injury has cropped up again coming out of a Week 10 bye. The veteran has only filled a bit role out of the Philadelphia backfield on the occasions he's suited up this season, but his availability for Sunday's game against the Patriots may carry greater import than normal with lead back Jordan Howard dealing with a shoulder injury that has limited him in back-to-back practices.

Nov 14, 2019 1:26 PM EST


Won't return Week 7

Sproles (quadriceps) was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Analysis: Sproles was able to go through conditioning drills at Friday's practice -- his first practice activity since suffering the quad strain Oct. 6 -- but he isn't ready to return to game action. Nelson Agholor should work as the Eagles' top punt returner with DeSean Jackson (abdomen) also sidelined.

Oct 18, 2019 12:02 PM EST



Working through conditional drills

Sproles (quadriceps) is going through conditional drills at the beginning of Friday's practice, Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Analysis: This is Sproles' first practice activity since sustaining a quad strain Oct. 6 against the Jets. He still appears on track to sit out Sunday's divisional tilt against the Cowboys, but it's certainly positive to see him trending in the right direction. If Sproles is indeed forced to miss any more time, Nelson Agholor will fill in as the top punt returner for Philadelphia.

Oct 18, 2019 8:43 AM EST


Fails to practice

Sproles (quadriceps) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Zack Rosenblatt of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Analysis: Sproles hasn't practiced since straining his quad Oct. 6 against the Jets, likely putting him on track for a second straight missed game Sunday in Dallas. While Sproles was idle for the Week 6 loss to the Vikings, rookie Miles Sanders took on an expanded role as a receiver, finishing with three receptions for a career-high 86 yards and his first touchdown.

Oct 17, 2019 1:28 PM EST


Still not practicing

Sproles (quadriceps) did not practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Sproles missed last week's loss to Minnesota due to a lingering quadriceps issue, and he hasn't yet made tangible progress in his recovery. With Corey Clement (shoulder) now on IR, Sproles figures to serve as the No. 3 running back in Philadelphia when back to full health.

Oct 16, 2019 1:23 PM EST


Won't play this week

Sproles (quadriceps) won't play Week 6 against the Vikings, Daniel Gallen of The Harrisburg Patriot-News reports.

Analysis: With Sproles out for at least one game and possibly more, Corey Clement bumps up the the No. 3 running back spot, which could involve some snaps on passing downs or in the two-minute drill. Clement also is a candidate to replace Sproles on punt returns, along with Nelson Agholor, per Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Oct 9, 2019 8:46 AM EST


Considered week-to-week

Sproles is week-to-week due to a quadriceps strain, Zack Rosenblatt of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Analysis: While an exact timetable for Sproles' recovery remains undisclosed, it's safe to bet that the 14-year pro will miss some time as he tends to this injury. With DeSean Jackson (abdomen) also sidelined, expect Nelson Agholor and Corey Clement to handle punt return duties for the time being. Sproles' absence could also signify a slight uptick in available carries for Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders.

Oct 7, 2019 9:20 AM EST


Tending to quad injury

Sproles is questionable to return to Sunday's contest against the Jets due to a quadriceps injury, Daniel Gallen of The Harrisburg Patriot-News reports.

Analysis: Sproles' usage has dwindled as the season has gone on, culminating in three carries for four yards and three punt returns for 28 yards Week 5. That is, if he's unable to return. It's unclear who will handle punt returns in Sproles' place, as the 14-year pro is the only Eagle to handle them this season.

Oct 6, 2019 12:21 PM EST


Just one touch in win

Sproles rushed one time for four yards and saw no targets in Thursday's 34-27 win over the Packers.

Analysis: Sproles saw no targets in the passing game for the second straight week, and he played just seven snaps. Meanwhile, Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders played 33 and 22 snaps, respectively, and were very effective with their touches. The Kansas State product looks like he'll continue to mix in behind his younger counterparts as the Eagles head back home for a Week 5 matchup with the Jets.

Sep 28, 2019 8:17 AM EST


Not a factor in loss

Sproles rushed twice for four yards and failed to catch his only target in Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Lions.

Analysis: Sproles got one carry in the first quarter, saw his only target in the third and finished with his longest rushing attempt of the day for three yards in the fourth quarter. He saw one more target on the game's last drive but was called for offensive pass interference, and the play was negated. While he wasn't very productive, the 36-year-old still led the Eagles' backfield in snaps by one over Miles Sanders with 27. Jordan Howard wasn't far behind with 25. The Eagles backfield continues to be a timeshare heading into a Thursday clash with the Packers.

Sep 24, 2019 12:05 AM EST


Modest usage Week 2

Sproles played 28 of the Eagles' 81 snaps on offense during Sunday's 24-20 defeat in Atlanta.

Analysis: Sproles ranked between Miles Sanders (35) and Jordan Howard (18) in such plays. However, Sproles fell far short of his teammates in yards from scrimmage, racking up just five (on two catches) while Sanders managed 37 and Howard accrued 26. Sproles' pass-catching prowess historically is notable, but the 36-year-old is averaging a miserable 3.5 YPT on his six looks so far this season.

Sep 16, 2019 6:52 PM EST


Paces team in rushing yards in win

Sproles rushed nine times for 47 yards and caught all three of his targets for 16 yards in Sunday's 32-27 win over Washington.

Analysis: Sproles' 63 total yards were also more than either of his backfield mates although Miles Sanders got two more carries. While it is surprising that all three primary backs, including Jordan Howard, each saw three targets, the committee approach in Philadelphia is par for the course. The carry distribution could vary from game-to-game as the Eagles head into a Week 2 matchup at Atlanta.

Sep 9, 2019 6:29 AM EST


Passing-game role confirmed

Sproles will be the primary punt returner and share passing-game duties for the Eagles, Mike Kaye of NJ.com reports.

Analysis: This confirms what we thought already regarding Sproles' role. He will fill in on passing downs with Corey Clement and behind Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders. This means the 36-year-old probably won't produce enough to be rostered outside of deep PPR leagues barring injury.

Sep 6, 2019 2:26 AM EST


Does not play Thursday

Sproles did not play in Thursday's preseason loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: Sproles has not seen a snap in the preseason, and it will almost certainly stay that way as the team looks to keep the 36-year-old healthy for the games that matter. He'll fill his typical change-of-pace role alongside Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders. Corey Clement and either Wendell Smallwood or Josh Adams will likely fill out Philadelphia's running back depth chart.

Aug 25, 2019 1:17 AM EST


Street clothes Thursday

Sproles will not suit up for Thursday's preseason game against the Titans, Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The 36-year-old has established himself enough to earn a day-off for the first preseason action of 2019. In his stead, it's likely that youngsters Miles Sanders and Donnel Pumphrey get most of the run in the offense for Thursday's game.

Aug 8, 2019 3:56 PM EST


Heading back to Philly

The Eagles and Sproles agreed to a one-year contract Friday, Dave Spadaro of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: With less than a week remaining before the start of training camp, Philly welcomes back the 14-year veteran. Sproles has been limited to just nine appearances the past two seasons, the result of multiple lower-body injuries. Even if his body can't hold up to the rigors of regular work out of the backfield at age 36, his prowess as a punt returner should help him earn a role on the Eagles' 53-man roster. Such a gig may be his destiny anyway after the team brought in Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders (hamstring) via trade and the draft, respectively, this offseason.

Jul 19, 2019 2:48 PM EST


Working out with Brees

Sproles was recently seen catching passes from Drew Brees, Mike Kaye of NJ Advance Media reports.

Analysis: The pair was working with San Diego-based strength and conditioning coach Todd Durkin alongside other NFL athletes such as Chase Daniel and Donnel Pumphrey. While it's clear Sproles is taking his time with his decision to sign a contract, his willingness to participate in workouts at least reflects some level of desire to continue playing. New Orleans doesn't have much cap space, but a reunion with Brees isn't entirely out of the picture given the underwhelming depth behind Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray.

Jun 26, 2019 1:47 PM EST


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