Four players who could be signed to the Eagles roster in place of Darren Sproles

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The Eagles officially placed Darren Sproles on IR after the veteran running back suffered two injuries in the same play against the Giants. The loss of Sproles to the backfield will have a significant impact despite the recent breakout of LeGarrette Blount and company. The Eagles are down to just three running backs on the roster after originally carrying five at the start of the regular season. The real question is, who will the Eagles assign to the vacated roster spot left by Darren Sproles?

 

Byron Marshal RB:
This is perhaps the most obvious signing, but the former Oregon Duck makes plenty of sense to fill the role left by Sproles. He may not be as electric as the little engine that could, but Marshall has the same base skillset. After making his NFL debut last year when the injury bug carved through the backfield, Marshall showed enough during the offseason to warrant being kept around on the practice squad yet again.

Marshall stunned the world during his time at Oregon, becoming the only ever player in Pac-12 history to record 1,000-yard seasons as both a running back and a receiver. Marshall caught 8 passes for 60 yards and rushed 34 times for 86 yards during preseason last year and showed strong signs of improvement against Baltimore and beyond. If it’s a running back replacement that the Eagles want, they have the perfect answer lying under their nose.

Film review: Eagles RB Byron Marshall flashes brilliance in progressive NFL debut

Josh Andrews C/G:
The Left Guard roulette situation is simply anything but promising, with Wisniewski, Warmack and Seumalo all taking reps at the position that has leaked traffic through the opening three weeks. It’s clear that Wisniewski was the more reliable option, but as a backup to Kelce, the team may not want to move him there permanently.

Insert Josh Andrews. A three-year starter at Oregon State who has plenty of potential and has managed to stick to the Eagles practice squad after going undrafted three years ago. Calling Andrews up to the roster would allow the developmental lineman to stand in behind a seemingly durable Jason Kelce, and allow Wisniewski to fill in at left guard without depth being a concern.

 

Harlan Miller DB:
This is an interesting option. Miller was called up to the Cardinals roster in an emergency situation at the end of last season against Seattle and proved his worth finely. A sixth round pick one year ago, Miller brings the versatility needed to play safety after being drafted as a cornerback out of Southeastern Louisiana.

The Eagles have shown a tendency to bring in players from teams they’re about to play in the upcoming week. Whether it’s Nate Sudfeld as a practice squad QB or De’Vante Bausby from Kansas City, Miller not only fits that mold but of course brings the upside of playing both corner and safety. Something that currently injured Jaylen Watkins has prided himself on.

With six tackles for a loss as a Senior, Miller is a DB who could very easily fit into the mold of Jim Schwartz’s Defense. Miller picked off 11 passes during his college career and broke up 22 others, showing his ballhawk tendencies throughout.

 

Alex Collins RB
This may be the most exciting option to read, but the former Seahawks running back is the perfect fit for the Eagles. A mixture of a physical downhill runner and someone who can contribute in the passing game, Alex Collins could slot in behind Clement or even be signed to the practice squad as an insurance policy if Marshall is called up.

Currently a member of the Baltimore Ravens, Collins rushed 31 times for 125 yards and a score during his rookie season with Seattle, also racking up 11 receptions for 84 yards.

At 5’10, 210 lbs, Collins could be a great developmental prospect for a backfield that lacks any kind of long-term stability and are likely to dig deep into the practice squad as the year goes on.

 

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