Darren Sproles ‘can't End Like This,' Leaning Toward Playing in 2018

ANAHEIM, Calif. - There was an old friendly face on the practice field at Angel Stadium in Southern California on Wednesday afternoon. 

Darren Sproles was back with his teammates. 

On injured reserve with a broken forearm and torn ACL (he suffered both on the same play), the veteran running back has been rehabbing in his home of San Diego but joined the Eagles for practice this week. 

In a short video preview retweeted by the Eagles on Thursday, Sproles hinted toward what his future might hold. 

"I don't have to play next year, but I'm leaning towards coming back," Sproles said. "I can't end like this." 

Sproles, 34, will become a free agent after this season, so the Eagles would need to re-sign him if they want him in 2018. It might seem unwise to sign a running back who will be 35 when next season starts, but Sproles has defied aging so far. 

And the Eagles have clearly missed the dynamic he brought to the offense. Sproles' ability to catch out of the backfield has been missing since he went down. Wendell Smallwood is the Eagles' leading receiver among running backs and he doesn't even dress on game days anymore. 

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Sproles is obviously a fan favorite in Philadelphia and for good reason. He's a dynamic player who stands on the short side of 5-foot-6. 

During Wednesday's practice, Sproles was on the field wearing a black sleeve on his left leg. He stood with running backs coach Duce Staley and even helped with some of the running back drills. 

Even though he has been living in California, Sproles has kept in contact with his teammates, much like the other members of the Eagles who are on IR.

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