Darren Sproles Injury: Eagles running back out for 2 to 3 weeks with MCL sprain

According to a report from Howard Eskin of FOX29, Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles may miss two or three while he recovers from an MCL sprain. Sproles suffered the injury during the Eagles' 27-0 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday night.

Hearing @eagles RB Darrin Sproles probably out 2-3 weeks with MCL sprain.

— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) October 13, 2014

The good news for Philadelphia is that this doesn't appear to be a long-term injury. It is also worth noting that the Eagles have a bye this week and do not play again Sunday, October 26.

The bad news for the Eagles is that they could be without Sproles for a game or two if he's not ready to return after the bye week. Philadelphia is scheduled to play two consecutive road games following their week off. The Eagles will play against the Cardinals in Arizona on Week 8 before heading to Houston to face the Texans in Week 9.

Sproles has been incredibly valuable to the Eagles through their first six games. Sproles has rushed for 211 yards on 32 attempts (whopping 6.6 average) for 3 touchdowns. He has also recorded 16 catches for 193 yards (12.4 average). As a punt returner, he is averaging 15.6 yards per return and has scored 1 touchdown. The veteran offensive weapon was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week in Week 2 and NFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 4. While the Eagles' offense has struggled to stay consistent this season, Sproles has been steady the entire way.

With Sproles out, the pressure is on Eagles star running back LeSean McCoy to produce. McCoy performed very well against the Giants due to improved blocking from the offensive line. Still, the Eagles will need depth behind McCoy. Third string running back Chris Polk has been injury prone and is currently dealing with a hamstring issue. Polk said he will be back in time after the bye week, but it remains to be seen how he progresses.

If the Eagles feel Sproles will be back soon and Polk will truly be ready after the bye, they may not be in a rush to make a roster move. The team may try to get by in the short-term with rookie tight end Trey Burton serving as a depth running back. Otherwise, the Eagles may chose to call up practice squad running back Matthew Tucker to the active roster.

If this report holds true, the Eagles dodged a bullet by not having to miss Sproles for an extended period of time. The team will just have to weather the storm in the meantime without him.

UPDATE: Eagles head coach Chip Kelly confirmed Sproles' injury during his Monday press conference.

HC Chip Kelly: Sproles has an MCL sprain. We'll see. Could be a week or two. He'll get treatment and we'll assess when we get back.

— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) October 13, 2014