Sproles, Kendricks back to practice

ROB MAADDI
AP Pro Football Writer

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Back from a bye, the Philadelphia Eagles added some reinforcements.

Running back Darren Sproles and linebacker Mychal Kendricks were among the injured players who practiced on Tuesday, though their status is uncertain for Sunday’s game at Arizona.

Sproles sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee in a 27-0 win over the New York Giants on Oct. 12. The injury appeared worse when he went down and didn’t return, but coach Chip Kelly alleviated concerns when he said it wasn’t serious before the team broke for the bye.

“I’m fine,” Sproles said. “I thought it was bad. I had an MRI and I feel pretty good.”

Kendricks, one of the key players on defense, hasn’t played since he injured his calf in a win at Indianapolis in Week 2. Casey Matthews has started in his place and Emmanuel Acho and rookie first-round pick Marcus Smith also have filled in for him.

Center Jason Kelce and third-string running back Chris Polk also practiced. All-Pro guard Evan Mathis is expected to practice Wednesday. Mathis sprained a knee ligament in Week 1. He isn’t eligible to play until Nov. 10 after being placed on injured reserve with designation to return.

Kelce had surgery for a sports hernia on Sept. 23, so he probably needs a few more weeks.

“Nothing has changed,” Kelce said. “I’m taking it one day at a time. I’m still hesitant to put a date on it.”

Polk missed the victory over the Giants because of a hamstring injury so Philadelphia was down to only LeSean McCoy in the fourth quarter. Tight end Trey Burton ended up getting a few carries.

Quarterback Nick Foles was upset when he Sproles got hurt because he didn’t like the way Giants defensive tackle Marcus Kuhn tackled him.

“The guy kept playing past the whistle and bent him backward after the whistle,” Foles said. “It’s great to have him out here. He’s a resilient guy.”

Sproles has only missed five games since 2007. He’s been a valuable addition for the Eagles since being acquired from New Orleans in March. Sproles has 211 yards rushing and is averaging 6.6 per carry. He has three rushing touchdowns and one more on a punt return.

“You want to play, whatever it takes to play,” Sproles said.

The Eagles, defending NFC East champions, fell into second place during the bye after Dallas improved to 6-1. They have a tough matchup against the NFC West-leading Cardinals in a matchup of 5-1 teams.

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AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

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Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_RobMaaddi

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