Darren Sproles has proven over the course of his career that he can be an x-factor for any team. In 2014, he was easily one of the most valuable players for the Philadelphia Eagles while scoring eight touchdowns. However, this year, the backfield is slightly more crowded than in seasons past with DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews both inking big contracts while having 1,000-yard seasons to their name. With the increase in talent, where does Sproles fit in?
According to head coach Chip Kelly via the Philadelphia Inquirer, fans can expect Sproles to lineup more in the slot receiver position in order to make use of his versatility. While Murray and Mathews are expected to take care of the rushing game, Kelly is aware that he must keep Sproles involved considering he can change a game at any moment.
"Just another versatile player," Kelly said, via the Philadelphia Inquirer. "It's Year 2 for him, so I think he feels really comfortable in terms of what our running backs are doing. So we are just kind of cross-training him like we do some other guys in terms of how do we get our best players on the field and put them in different situations."
Sproles told the media that he wants a bigger role on offense. The running back admitted he was concerned when players were added in free agency, but Kelly has guaranteed that he will see the field plenty in his second season with the team. With doubt surrounding players like Riley Cooper and Miles Austin, having Sproles work in with the wide receivers could be a critical improvement to the offense. Fantasy owners worried about a dip in production would be wise to keep Sproles put on their rosters.
Sproles would join what could be a dynamic receiving group. After the departures of DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy, Jordan Matthews steps in as the starter while Nelson Agholor is expected to be the No.2 guy. The Eagles have been pleased with what Agholor is bringing to the field in his rookie season, but it is too early to tell just how big of a role he will play.
"I think he's leaps and bounds more polished in his routes than I was," Matthews said, via Philly.com. "It really comes naturally for him. He's also easily one of the most athletic dudes on the team. Talk about being able to go from zero to one hundred. He probably gets to top speed faster than anybody on the squad."
Agholor and Josh Huff should be the receivers to round out the rotation with Matthews. That still leaves Sproles' role up in the air, but switching to receiver more than running back should at least keep on the field more times than not.
