Philadelphia Eagles Running Back Darren Sproles Suffers Broken Arm, Torn ACL on Same Play
Darren Sproles was probably the most unlucky person on the field when the Philadelphia Eagles took on the New York Giants this past Sunday.
The veteran running back appeared to have sustained a wrist injury after a hit from Giants safety Darian Thompson in the second quarter. He managed to walk off the field on his own, but it was later revealed that he has broken his arm.
The injury would require surgery so he was expected to miss a significant amount of time while he recovers. However, it seemed that he actually sustained another injury on the same play where he broke his arm.
ESPN's Adam Schefter was the first to report that Sproles tore his (anterior cruciate ligament) ACL as well on that play. Schefter added that he will undergo surgery on his arm on Monday, Sept. 25, and have his knee repaired at a later date.
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson has also confirmed that Sproles has suffered a rare double injury in a press conference on Monday. The running back is likely done for the rest of the season and the Eagles have placed him on the injured reserve list.
"It's unfortunate. Double-whammy on the play," Pederson said, via CBS Sports. "It's a devastating loss with the punt return, the special teams aspect of it. We'll look at everything in the next day or so [as far as replacing him]," he added.
LeGarrette Blount, Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement should get more carries with Sproles out of the lineup.
"I think what you saw with Wendell [on Sunday] and even some things with Corey, it's going to have to be that next-man mentality. But I think Wendell on third down specifically, Corey, as well, they're going to have to step up and assume that role," Pederson noted.
Meanwhile, Torrey Smith will likely become the team's primary punt returner.
