Darren Sproles say he’s “leaning towards coming back” in 2018

Darren Sproles doesn’t sound like he’s ready to retire.

The 34-year-old running back said he’s leaning towards returning to football in 2018.

“This year was going to be a big year for me. But I had torn my ACL and I broke my forearm, all in one play. For me to get back on the field, it’s going to be challenge. It’s going to be a lot of pain that goes in it. But I’m going to keep fighting until I reach my goal.”

“I don’t have to play next year, but I’m leading towards coming back. Like, I can’t end like this.”

This fits with what Sproles had to say right after he originally suffered his injuries back in late September.

It was originally thought that 2017 was going to be Sproles’ final season in the league, but he didn’t fully commit to that notion. Now it really sounds like he’s not done.

It remains to be seen if the Philadelphia Eagles would bring him back for 2018. Sproles is currently set to be a free agent, so he’ll need to sign a new contract in order to play next season.

The Eagles, meanwhile, are tight on cap space. So keeping Sproles, who turns 35 in July, might not be an easy decision for them.

Eagles running backs Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement, Wendell Smallwood, and Donnel Pumphrey are all currently under contract beyond this season. LeGarrette Blount, like Sproles, is set to be a free agent. Blount turned 31 earlier this week.

It would be great to see Sproles healthy and helping the Eagles win football games once again. That’s the way he deserves to go out — on top.

We’ll see if it happens.

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(Hat tip to the Inquirer’s Zach Berman)