Donnel Pumphrey: Eagles place rookie running back on injured reserve

The Philadelphia Eagles placed rookie running back Donnel Pumphrey on the injured reserve list, according to an official announcement from the team on Friday.

Pumphrey suffered a torn hamstring during practice this week, as head coach Doug Pederson revealed on Friday morning.

After practice on Friday, Pumphrey told reporters the injury is considered to be a four-to-six week recovery. The Eagles could potentially activate Pumphrey from the injured reserve list back to the main roster. They can only do this twice per season, however, and kicker Caleb Sturgis was placed on IR earlier this week.

Prior to getting hurt, Pumphrey really struggled this offseason. The 2017 fourth-round pick rushed for 49 yards on 26 preseason carries — a paltry 1.9 average. His struggles landed him as the fifth string running back on Philadelphia’s depth chart.

By placing Pumphrey on the injured reserve list, the Eagles have freed up a roster spot. It remains to be seen how the team will fill that vacancy.

Note that Pumphrey cannot practice while on the IR list.

Quick recap of the Eagles’ 2017 NFL Draft class:

1st — Derek Barnett — Looks like he has to the potential to be a pretty good starter

2nd — Sidney Jones — Out for the first six weeks, at least

3rd — Rasul Douglas — Healthy scratch in Week 1 but should play this week due to Ronald Darby injury

4th -- Mack Hollins — Only played five offensive snaps (due to minor Torrey Smith injury) and six special teams snaps

4th — Donnel Pumphrey — Fifth string running back who’s had two hamstring injuries since training camp started

5th — Shelton Gibson — Sixth string wide receiver who is likely to be a healthy scratch all season

5th — Nate Gerry — Practice squad linebacker

6th — Elijah Qualls — Fifth string defensive tackle who showed some promise in the preseason and could play in his first game this week