Murray downplays reduction in playing time

DeMarco Murray does not have an explanation for why his role has shrunk, and the underused, high-priced running back remained diplomatic Tuesday when discussing his demotion.

"At the end of the day, you've got a position to make the playoffs, and that's what a lot of people's focus is on," Murray said. "I can't worry about how many plays I'm getting and things of that nature. I can only control what I can control, and whenever I get in, I just have to make the best of it. I can't worry about it. I'm blessed. I have an opportunity to play in the NFL and be healthy, and I have a beautiful wife and beautiful little girl and a boy on the way, so at the end of the day, I can't complain."

Murray played only eight snaps and had only two carries Sunday. He does not know what his role will be Saturday against the Washington Redskins. When asked what plays fit him best, Murray indicated he just wants a chance to run any play.

"I like everything," Murray said. "I like to just be in the game. Everything, whether it's inside, outside, doesn't matter. Opportunities. I like opportunities."

Murray said he's not injured and he feels better than he did last year, when he led the NFL in rushing. He is getting tired of the questions about his role, and the coaching staff seems to be tiring of it, too.

"If we had one running back that was far and away better than the other ones, then you would see probably a guy get the very, very most of the snaps," offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said. "We just happen to have guys that we think are good and we don't mind when they're in there."

Based on playing time, it would seem the Eagles believe Murray is behind Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles. Earlier this season, he was ahead of them. And after leading the NFL in rushing last year and with a $40 million contract, Murray is the most accomplished of the running backs.

"All that was last year and that was in his situation in Dallas," Shurmur said. "I've got a great deal of respect for DeMarco. We need him to play at his best. When he's out there, we need him to put good reps on the field for us. So, that's where we're at."

Defensive end Fletcher Cox, running back Darren Sproles, and left tackle Jason Peters earned Pro Bowl invitations.

Cox, 25, is going to his first Pro Bowl. He set career highs with 71/2 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 141/2 tackles through 14 games this season. He seemed a likely candidate for the honor last season, but he did not get a bid.

Sproles, 32, earned a trip to the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive season. He leads the NFL with a 12.4-yard punt return average and two touchdowns.

Peters, 33, made the Pro Bowl for the eighth time, his sixth with the Eagles.

- Zach Berman