Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

Doug Pederson says he thinks Eagles’ Darren Sproles will play again this season

Coach says the 35-year-old running back and returner was completely healed before Wednesday's hamstring setback.

Eagles Head Coach Doug Pederson works with Darren Sproles during training camp at the NovaCare Complex on Saturday, July 30, 2016. YONG KIM / Staff Photographer
Eagles Head Coach Doug Pederson works with Darren Sproles during training camp at the NovaCare Complex on Saturday, July 30, 2016. YONG KIM / Staff PhotographerRead moreYong Kim

Eagles coach Doug Pederson met with reporters Friday for the last time before Sunday night's encounter with the visiting Dallas Cowboys, and not surprisingly, Darren Sproles was a major topic of conversation.

Sproles, the Eagles' 35-year-old running back and returner, hasn't played since he suffered a hamstring injury in practice the week after the season opener. Sproles was set to come back this week — the Eagles even released their returner, DeAndre Carter, who was picked up by the Texans — but in his first practice since September, Sproles reinjured the hamstring Wednesday.

Pederson said the team makes sure players in such situations are 100 percent before they take the field again.

"He had a setback this week, but going into this week, he was [100 percent]," Pederson said. "People heal differently. … I'm not a doctor. I know we're going to go down this path today, and you're not going to get a ton from me. I'm just telling you, people heal differently."

Pederson said he still thinks Sproles will play again for the Eagles this season.

"I am optimistic that he can play. I am. That's the God's honest truth," Pederson said.

Pederson said he won't disclose who will return punts against the Cowboys. Newcomer Golden Tate seems like an obvious choice.

In an Instagram message to fans, Sproles said he was "blessed to have not endured any major injuries until this later part of my career. But at 35 and injury free, I can still rock with the best in this game. I'm doing what I can do get healthy and finish what I started. Thanks to all my fans still ridin with me!"

Who’s healthy?

Pederson said right tackle Lane Johnson has done well in practice, despite his braced left knee from an MCL sprain suffered in the last game, Oct. 28 in London against Jacksonville. The Eagles listed Johnson as "questionable" for the game.

Pederson said starting cornerback Jalen Mills (foot) is probably farther away from playing than slot corner Sidney Jones (hamstring). Both players were declared out for this week.

Dallas will be without starting linebacker Sean Lee (hamstring), starting defensive end Taco Charlton (shoulder) and starting left guard Connor Williams (knee), among others.