Darren Sproles: A story about an overworked warrior

Darren Sproles has, no doubt, earned his wings in his time as an Eagles running back.

Here’s one of the understatements of the year. In 2017, the Philadelphia Eagles can’t use Darren Sproles to the extent that he was used in 2016. On June 20th, the running back turns 34. He’s coming off of a season where he suffered a rib injury and was forced into action more often than teammates, fans and coaches would have liked.

The unfortunate thing was anyone who’s followed this team and its personnel had to see that coming.

The quandary at running back:

Prior to the start of the 2016 season, the Eagles made an announcement that confirmed the fears of fans all over the country. Ryan Mathews was placed at the top of the team’s depth chart at the running back position. With that decision, it just felt like everyone seated Lincoln Financial Field was holding their breath every time their injury prone starter took a handoff or fought for extra yards.

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True to form, Mathews got hurt again.

That was bad enough. Unfortunately, things would get worse. Our questions about whether or not rookie Wendell Smallwood needed to be thrown into a “workhorse” position were answered relatively quickly. With so many issues in the backfield, the rookie was asked to fill in. Then, he got hurt too.

Sproles, despite missing a game due to injury, pulled in 52 receptions for 427 yards. He also carried the ball 94 times (a career high) and ended up with 438 yards on the season. That’s good for a yards-per-carry average of 4.7, but again, it wasn’t supposed to be this way. The original intention was for Sproles to be used on special teams and, possibly, as a change-of-pace primarily in third down situations

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The 2017 season is around the corner:

If the Eagles don’t address the running back position in free agency, they’ll need to do so in the upcoming draft. Whatever they do and whoever they select, one thing’s certain. Anyone coming in will be expected to play a vital role in the offensive scheme immediately. Sproles is amazing. He’s a three-time Pro Bowl selection, and he should have gone at least one or two more times. The Eagles will want to keep him fresh, however, if a serious playoff run is in the cards for next season.

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