The Philadelphia Eagles are hoping to have DeMarco Murray back healthy in Week 4 after he missed the Jets game and fantasy football owners could look to Darren Sproles if he is out again. Sam Bradford remains the starter despite dealing with some struggles, while Mychal Kendricks was able to practice in full on Wednesday.
The Eagles come into this week at 1-2 on the season after winning over the Jets and they remain in the mix for the NFC East with the Cowboys at 2-1. Everyone in the division feels like they have a chance, as the Cowboys are playing without Tony Romo and Dez Bryant and those two could be out for another month. The Eagles are playing against the Redskins on the road next and the team is hoping that Murray can come back healthy after dealing with a hamstring issue.
Murray was able to practice on Wednesday, but NFL.com reported that it was in a limited capacity. Murray was inactive for the game against the Jets and both Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles stepped up in his place and now Kelly could consider spreading the ball around more even if Murray comes back. Murray has struggled mightily to start the season, as he has just 11 yards on 21 carries in two games and one touchdown. Murray had over 1800 yards for the Cowboys last season and signed a lucrative contract, but he has been a major disappointment so far.
Mathews rushed for 105 yards against a tough Jets defense on Sunday and if Murray comes back, he could be limited a bit for this week and that could give Mathews and Sproles a boost. According to NJ.com, Kelly said that he has "no idea" whether Murray will remain in the lead role moving forward, adding that it's "not a concern for any of us." The Eagles like having three backs that can do different things and both Mathews and Sproles showed those skills on Sunday.
The team also received some good news about two injured defensive players, as Pro Football Talk reports that Mychal Kendricks was able to practice in full, while Kiko Alonso may be able to return at some point this season. Kendricks is not officially going to start yet, but making it through the practice session is big after he missed the game last week. As for Alonso, Ian Rapopprt at NFL.com reports that Alonso could play again this season, as his "ACL was deemed intact" and that the injury is "not as bad as once thought."
The Eagles have placed kicked Cody Parkey on injured reserve and NFL.com reports that the team is signing Caleb Sturgis, who was formerly with the Miami Dolphins. Parkey is done for the season after dealing with a groin injury and Sturgis was signed after the Eagles worked out a number of free agent kickers.
Check here for more on the Eagles, Alonso, Bradford and Murray.
