Eagles running back Darren Sproles will be the featured back against the Bills on Sunday amid the DeMarco Murray turmoil, sources told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. Earlier in the week, the Eagles even considered benching Murray for the game, Rapoport reported, but Murray is active for Sunday's tilt.
"The Eagles are weighing all options when it comes to their running back rotation today, even benching DeMarco Murray," Rapoport said on NFL Network's GameDay First on Sunday. Rapoport added there's a chance Murray would be fourth on the Eagles' running back depth chart if he were active.
NFL Media's Albert Breer reported the Eagles likely will deploy a platoon approach at running back with Sproles leading the way and Ryan Mathews being mixed in as he returns from a concussion and groin injury.
After reports that a frustrated Murray met with team owner Jeffrey Lurie, head coach Chip Kelly clarified in a news conference earlier this week that the two talked on the team plane after a victory over the Patriots last weekend.
"As for his talk with Jeffrey Lurie, my understanding is he didn't approach Chip Kelly for the same talk because he didn't think Chip was as approachable ... which, of course, represents a bigger problem," Rapoport said. "Murray has not made a ton of friends in the Eagles' locker room, this rubs some people the wrong way, especially this week. So it's worth considering what role he will have going forward."
Murray, 27, was signed to a five-year, $40 million deal in March. After rushing for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns last season with the Cowboys, the former Sooner has rushed for just 569 yards with four touchdowns this season, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry.
The Eagles face the Bills in a game that marks the return of running back LeSean McCoy to Philadelphia for the first time since being traded to Buffalo in the offseason.
