Darren Sproles Fantasy Football News | Shark Bites

According to ESPN.com's Phil Sheridan, Eagles HC Chip Kelly "de-emphasized (RB DeMarco) Murray because he thought the smaller backs would be more successful against New England’s big linebackers." We might be more inclined to believe that if his 8-carry, 24-yard, 0-target day hadn't followed a 14-30 rushing line with 0 targets at Detroit on Thanksgiving. Murray has stunk for most of the year, and his coaches have seemed to stink at leveraging his talents. If Ryan Mathews can get healthy soon, he could be in for increased opportunity over the next few weeks. In the meantime, Darren Sproles -- who carried 15 times for 66 yards Sunday and led the team with 4 catches -- looks like the best backfield bet for the Eagles. We'll see what Kelly has in mind for next week against a Buffalo D that has softened vs. the run this year. But it's nearly impossible to believe in Murray as a fantasy option at this point.

Eagles HC Chip Kelly said Monday that RB Ryan Mathews has yet to be cleared to return from the concussion he suffered Nov. 15, according to NJ.com. Mathews reportedly hasn't even observed practices since suffering the injury, and Kelly said that'll be the case still come Tuesday, as Philly begins its on-field prep for Sunday's visit to New England. That doesn't seem to bode well for Mathews' chances of participating in Week 13. So it looks like we'll continue to get an ineffective DeMarco Murray leading the backfield, teamed with Kenjon Barner and not enough Darren Sproles.

Eagles RB Ryan Mathews (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bucs.  RB DeMarco Murray is a strong bet to see 20+ touches for the 6th straight game.  RB Darren Sproles could also see a bit more action and is on the RB3/flex radar.

Eagles RB Ryan Mathews (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday.  The concussion he sustained last week was his 3rd as a pro.  He also had at least 1 in college.  Owners shouldn't be counting on Mathews in Week 11.  If he sits against the Bucs, RB DeMarco Murray will be in for a monster workload.  RB Darren Sproles should also see a bit more action.

Eagles RB DeMarco Murray (hamstring) put in a limited practice on Wednesday.  He also practiced last Friday before being held out of the Jets game.  Barring a setback over the next few days, he should be back for this weekend's game against the Redskins.  We'll be interested to see how HC Chip Kelly divvies the work in the backfield when Murray, Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles are healthy.

Eagles RB DeMarco Murray (hamstring) is inactive for today’s game against the Jets. It sounds like his pregame warmup didn’t go well. Murray’s absence leaves RB Ryan Mathews as the lead ball-carrier. He’s a low-end RB2 in a plus matchup. RB Darren Sproles might also see a slight uptick in touches with Murray out of the picture.

Eagles OC Pat Shurmur reiterated that the team wants to get RB Darren Sproles more involved this year.  We heard the same thing from HC Chip Kelly earlier this offseason.  "We'd like to get him the ball steadily and consistently, and he certainly is a unique, outstanding player," Shurmur said. "We just need to make sure we get him the ball, and we have a plan to do that."  Sproles has hauled in 4 balls for 56 yards and a score in just 12 snaps over the past 2 preseason games.  Although he's still 3rd on the RB depth chart, Sproles could be just as much WR as RB for Philly this season.  He looks best in PPR best-ball leagues.

Eagles RB Darren Sproles "is getting a lot of work in the slot," according to Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer. That makes sense as a way to get Sproles on the field more, which HC Chip Kelly reportedly said this offseason he'd like to do. If Sproles continues on in this role, it could take some playing time away from Philly's #3 WR candidates. We'll be quite curious to see the formations the Eagles run in preseason. Sproles makes for a fine PPR shot to take with an ADP currently hovering in the mid-double-digit rounds.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Eagles have agreed to a 3-year, $11.5 million deal with RB Ryan Mathews. The contract -- with a reported $5 million guaranteed -- comes in cheaper than what Frank Gore and Mark Ingram got and will almost certainly be less than DeMarco Murray signs for. We all know the injury history with Mathews, which includes losing half of 2014 to knee and ankle issues. But he also finished 4th in the league in rushing yards in 2013 and has averaged a solid 4.4 yards per carry over his 5 seasons. If Mathews can remain healthy, he looks like the lead back in a system that got LeSean McCoy more than 300 carries each of the past 2 years. Don't expect near that workload for Mathews, but 250+ attempts should be doable, with 25-30 receptions. And a top-5 scoring offense will provide TD chances. Mathews looks like a solid RB2 for 2015 fantasy football leagues, with upside beyond that range. Chris Polk again looks like a handcuff, while Darren Sproles figures to remain primarily a receiver with a few carries sprinkled in.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that RB Frank Gore will sign with the Eagles when free agency opens.  The 49ers were interested in bringing Gore back, but Philly out-bid them.  The Eagles are reportedly giving Gore $5 million annually with $7 million guaranteed.  Don't expect the 31-year-old to take over LeSean McCoy's workhorse role, but Gore becomes the heavy favorite to lead Philly's 2015 backfield in touches.  He remained effective this past year, averaging 4.3 yards per carry and ranking 13th among RBs in Pro Football Focus' run grades.  HC Chip Kelly's fast-paced offense should help Gore remain a weekly fantasy starter this season.  Meanwhile, the 49ers will hand the backfield reins to Carlos Hyde, who is a major 2015 breakout candidate.

The Eagles will trade RB LeSean McCoy to the Bills in exchange for LB Kiko Alonso, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.  It's a massive blockbuster that comes out of nowhere.  There were whispers that Philly didn't want to take on McCoy's $11.95 million cap charge in 2015.  And he was phased out of certain parts of the game plan last season.  So the Eagles ship the ultra-talented 26-year-old to Buffalo.  Shady will clearly be the focal point of the Bills offense under run-minded HC Rex Ryan and OC Greg Roman.  But the downgrade in supporting cast is steep.  McCoy's short and long-term fantasy value takes a hit with the move.  The Eagles, meanwhile, are left with Darren Sproles and Chris Polk as their top 2 RBs.  We'll see if they add to the group in free agency and/of the draft.  Philly also acquires a defensive building block in LB Kiko Alonso, who racked up 159 tackles in his 2013 rookie season before missing this past year with a torn ACL.

Eagles RB Darren Sproles (knee) is active for today’s game against the Texans. Averaging just 8 touches per game this season, he’s a risk/reward RB3 or flex play.

Eagles RB Darren Sproles (knee) put in a full week of practice and is probable for Sunday’s game against the Texans. Averaging just 8 touches per game this season, he’s a risk/reward RB3 or flex play.

Eagles RB Darren Sproles (knee) put in his 2nd straight full practice on Thursday.  He was limited all last week before being inactive on Sunday.  Sproles looks set to return for this weekend's game against the Texans.  He's a RB3 or flex option with added value in PPR leagues.

Eagles RB Darren Sproles said Tuesday that he expects to play in Sunday's game at Houston.  "I'm good," Sproles told NJ.com. "Today I felt good. I'll come out here and get another practice." He said he put in his 1st full practice Tuesday since hurting a knee against the Giants before the bye. Sproles sat out Sunday's loss at Arizona. An inconsistent Philly offense could use his presence as both a runner and receiver. Sproles' low-volume role, however, makes him a risky fantasy prospect.

Eagles RB Darren Sproles (knee) is inactive for today's game against the Cardinals.  Considering he practiced all week, he should be back for next Sunday's game against the Texans.  Chris Polk will serve as Philly's #2 RB today.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reports that Eagles RB Darren Sproles (knee) is "very doubtful" to play against the Cardinals later today.  Sproles put in 3 limited practices this week and was listed as questionable.  Most signs pointed to him playing.  Owners obviously need to make other plans now.

Eagles RB Darren Sproles (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.  He put in 3 limited practices this week, though, and signs point to him playing.  The 4:05 pm ET start time makes starting Sproles in fantasy a bit risky, but if active, he'll be a nice PPR RB3 or flex against a Cardinals team that's much better against the run than the pass.

Eagles RB Darren Sproles (knee) put in his 2nd straight limited practice on Thursday.  He's still on track to play against the Cardinals this weekend, but we'd feel more comfortable about his Week 8 fantasy outlook if he's a full participant on Friday.

Eagles HC Chip Kelly called RB Darren Sproles (knee) a full participant in Tuesday's bye-week practice.  That obviously puts him on track to play against the Cardinals this weekend.  That's a positive matchup for Sproles considering Arizona is much better against the run than the pass.  Consider him an upside RB3 or flex in PPR leagues.