Pumphrey makes grand return ... to practice squad

PHILADELPHIA >> Donnell Pumphrey was home working out when the call came from the Eagles. He was told to get there ASAP, passport in tow.

The Eagles signed Pumphrey, a fourth-round pick in 2017, to the practice squad Tuesday. Being back in the building with the guys he spent training camp with beats watching football on the tube.

“It means a lot to me because I felt like the last time I was here I was ... heartbroken because of what happened,” Pumphrey said. “But I mean, I’m ready to get back to work.”

Pumphrey (5-8, 176) was supposed to be the next Darren Sproles when the Eagles took him off the board with the second of their pair of fourth-round selections. At San Diego State, he had set the FBS career rushing record with 6,405 yards. He could catch and field kicks, the do-it-all back to take over when Sproles retired.

But Pumphrey tore a hamstring in training camp of his rookie year. He spent one week on the active roster but wasn’t active, the Eagles putting him on injured reserve and not bringing him back. He returned in better shape and a little heavier for his second training camp but couldn’t win a job. He spent September on the practice squad of the Lions, who released him.

“I had a tryout with the Jets last week,” Pumphrey said. “They said they were covered with backs. The experiences at other teams, I’m just happy to be back in an environment like this, team-oriented.”

Pumphrey is under no illusion. Sproles, who hasn’t played since the opener due to a torn hamstring, is expected to return after the Eagles oppose the Jaguars in London next Sunday. Wendell Smallwood has been the starter with Corey Clement and Josh Allen in relief.

Then again, if one of those backs gets hurt, Pumpy, as teammates call him, is just a promotion away from his first NFL action.

“Obviously they felt like there was talent,” Pumphrey said. “So, I’ve just got to put it out there.”

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With London in the backs of their minds, the Eagles continued taking care of the loose travel ends Tuesday. They will practice at their complex Wednesday and Thursday and leave Thursday evening for the United Kingdom. The plan is to practice Friday in the UK, have a walk-through at Wembley Stadium and of course, oppose the Jaguars at 9:30 a.m. Philly time on Sunday.

The Eagles (3-4) are three-point favorites over the Jaguars (3-4), the home team.

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NOTES >> The division with the worst record in football is the NFC East, where the aggregate record is 11-16. The Redskins lead with a 4-2 record. The division with the best record is the NFC South, where the Saints (5-1) lead and the Panthers (4-2) are next. The combined records in that division is 15-10 . ... The Jaguars have dropped a leagueleading 17 passes, the Eagles 11, which is tied for eighth-most.