Darren Sproles Out For Remainder Of Season

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Eagles have lost running back Darren Sproles for the rest of the year with a torn hip flexor, they announced Friday.

It's a serious blow to their running depth and their punt return strength, as the Birds are also still without another back, Jordan Howard, who has not yet been cleared for contact following an injury suffered in Week 9 in Chicago.

Though Sproles was averaging just a few carries a game, he's also utilized as a receiver, and obviously a returner, and the loss of both Howard and Sproles puts the team on uncertain footing.

It's little surprise, then, that former Eagle Jay Ajayi was seen visiting with the team, and rumors are swirling he could sign a contract.

Sproles, 36, originally partially tore the muscle against the New York Jets on Oct. 6, the team said. He went through a full month of rehabilitation before returning to practice on Oct. 30.

At that point, he had been fully cleared following "extensive testing," according to the Eagles. He played on Nov. 3 against the Chicago Bears, and was a full participant in practices through Wednesday of this week, when he reported the injury and was re-evaluated.

Due to his age and the limited career spans typical of running backs, it's possible this injury could mark the end of Sproles career.

The Eagles, meanwhile, will look for running depth elsewhere, and pray for Howard's return. They sit at 5-4 and second in the NFC East. They have a highly anticipated rematch with their 2018 Super Bowl foes, the New England Patriots, this Sunday.