Darren Sproles

This marks the end of the road for a great career from Sproles, who was a three-time Pro Bowler during his lengthy stint in the NFL. Sproles racked up 3,552 rushing yards, 4,840 receiving yards and 55 touchdowns from scrimmage and had nine special teams touchdowns as well.

The transaction officially puts a bow on Sproles' 2019 campaign, and perhaps his time in the NFL as well. After back-to-back injury shortened seasons, Sproles mulled retirement for most of the spring before ultimately re-signing with Philadelphia on a one-year deal in July. Unfortunately, a quadriceps injury kept Sproles out for three games during the first half of the Eagles' schedule before he returned to action Week 9, only for the running back to suffer a full tear of his right hip flexor muscle during Wednesday's practice. In response to Sproles' latest injury, the Eagles signed Jay Ajayi to provide backfield depth behind Jordan Howard (shoulder), Miles Sanders and Boston Scott.

Sproles missed Thursday's practice with what was labeled as a quadriceps injury, but it appears he was actually dealing with the hip issue. The 36-year-old apparently suffered a partial tear of the hip flexor in early October but was cleared to return for Week 9 versus the Bears. He then sustained the full tear during Wednesday's practice, with the Eagles opting to shut him down for good. It's the third consecutive season Sproles has missed 10-plus games, and his increasing durability concerns could spell an end to his 15-year career. Fellow back Jordan Howard (shoulder) is also banged up, prompting the Eagles to bring in free agent Jay Ajayi for a workout Friday.

Sproles missed three consecutive games earlier in the season due to a quad issue, so it's somewhat disconcerting that the same injury has cropped up again coming out of a Week 10 bye. The veteran has only filled a bit role out of the Philadelphia backfield on the occasions he's suited up this season, but his availability for Sunday's game against the Patriots may carry greater import than normal with lead back Jordan Howard dealing with a shoulder injury that has limited him in back-to-back practices.