Darren Sproles Injury: Eagles running back practices

The Philadelphia Eagles returned from their Week 7 bye on Tuesday and there are a few updates on the team's injury situation as they prepare to face the Arizona Cardinals this week.

The only player not participating in practice is depth wide receiver Brad Smith. Keep in mind the Eagles run a light workout on Tuesdays.

The big news is that Darren Sproles is at practice. Sproles suffered an MCL sprain during Philadelphia's 27-0 win over the New York Giants. Sproles was bent awkwardly as he was being tackled by a Giants defender. (Eagles quarterback Nick Foles was not very happy with how it happened.) Sproles has been extremely valuable to the Eagles this season. It was originally reported that Sproles may miss a game or two so his status will be closely monitored this week.

Jason Kelce is also back at practice after having sports hernia surgery following an injury during the team's Week 3 match-up. Kelce is apparently ahead of schedule and could return as soon as Week 9 against the Houston Texans. Chip Kelly noted that backup center David Molk will still take first team snaps this week and that Kelce will only do positional drills.

Eagles wide receiver and special teams contributor Brad Smith is still out after having surgery on a central core muscle in Week 6. Smith is expected to be out a few more weeks. He will be replaced by rookie receiver Josh Huff and veteran Jeff Maehl in the meantime. Tight end James Casey serves as the game-day emergency quarterback with Smith out.

Eagles starting inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks returned to practice, as expected. The third-year linebacker has been out since suffering a calf injury since Week 2. The return of Kendricks should serve as a big boost to the Eagles defense. Head coach Chip Kelly noted that first round rookie Marcus Smith II will still work with the inside linebackers despite Kendricks' return.

Eagles All-Pro left guard Evan Mathis, who suffered a MCL sprain in Week 1, is expected to return to practice on Wednesday. Mathis is still on the injured reserve/designated to return list and can't be activated to the 53-man roster until Week 10, but this is a good sign of progress in the meantime.

Eagles depth running back and kick returner Chris Polk returned to practice after sitting out last week with a hamstring injury. If Polk can play he might resume his role as the team's kick returner.

The Eagles will release their first *official* Week 8 injury report tomorrow on Wednesday.

Recap

Practicing

RB Darren Sproles (MCL sprain)
ILB Mychal Kendricks (calf)
C Jason Kelce (hernia) [position drills only]
RB Chris Polk (hamstring)

Not Practicing

OG Evan Mathis (MCL sprain) [will return on Wednesday]
WR Brad Smith (groin)