LOOK WHO’S BACK
Sproles looks set to return for Birds just in time to face hated Cowboys
PHILADELPHIA >> The Eagles have a significant role in mind this weekend for veteran running back Darren Sproles, who hasn’t played since the opener due to a hamstring issue.
Down the road head coach Doug Pederson envisions 6-foot-8, 360-pound rugby import Jordan Mailata, who plays offensive tackle, lugging the ball. More on that later.
Though limited in practice, Sproles is ready to get back to work after getting 32 yards on nine touches playing 29 snaps in the Sept. 6 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Pederson has been encouraged by the play of rookie running back Josh Adams, who rushed for a career-high 61 yards in the win over the Jaguars at Wembley Stadium. Adams has taken snaps from Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement.
Pederson intimated that the 35-yearold Sproles would play a significant role in the offense, assuming he’s healthy, and his game consists of screen passes in addition to runs.
“I can’t tell you we’re going to feature Darren, Josh or any of those guys,” Pederson said. “But Darren’s going to be a big part of the game.”
The Eagles also have to figure out how to use newly acquired receiver Golden Tate. Quarterback Carson Wentz says the Eagles’ atmosphere of unselfishness and the play calls will take care of any issues.
Limited in practice, Sproles declined comment until Thursday.
While the Eagles work out those arrangements, Pederson has another thought in the back of his head. That would be a play for Mailata.
“He’s definitely used to carrying a larger football,” Pederson said. “It’s very intriguing. It’s not out of the question.”
It wouldn’t be the first play drawn up for Mailata, who said he had his “own set play” back in his rugby days.
“It was the Jordan play and it was only for me,” Mailata said. “I’d be like sweeping behind our playmaker, there would be somebody in front of me running, like to block, and then somebody outside of me. The playmaker would pretend to throw the long ball to the outside and give it to me.”
The next time Mailata gets the ball in practice will be the first time.
•••
In addition to Sproles, Pederson expects offensive tackle Lane Johnson (MCL) to attempt to play Sunday against the Cowboys, who are seven-point underdogs.
Johnson suffered the sprain when Wentz fell on his left knee during the Wembley game. He was limited at practice Wednesday along with linebacker Nate Gerry (ankle, knee) and safety Corey Graham (hamstring).
Center Jason Kelce (non-injury), cornerback Sidney Jones (hamstring) and cornerback Jalen Mills (foot) didn’t practice.
Pederson said Mills is day-to-day and that defensive tackle Tim Jernigan would be eased into practice as the Birds have 21 days to evaluate him before making a roster decision.
•••
The Eagles play three of their next games at home, all of those contests against NFC East opponents. The road game is in two weeks against the Saints.
Five of the Birds’ last eight games are against division leaders, including a pair of games with the Redskins.
“We’re coming off a lengthy bye, we’re getting some guys back,” Pederson said of the message he gave his team. “But at the same time, we’ve got to make sure that we maintain that physicality, we maintain the aggressiveness. When you say things are right in front of you, it’s kind of right there for this football team to go attack and try to capture.”
•••
NOTES >> Demarcus Lawrence leads the Cowboys with eight sacks. That’s double the total of Eagles leader Fletcher Cox. … The Eagles are 2-2 at the Linc, where they average 19 points and allow 18 points. … The Cowboys are 0-4 on the road this season, averaging just 13.5 points and giving up 19.7. … Eagles corner Ronald Darby is tied for the NFL lead with 12 pass breakups.