NFL Rumors: Chip Kelly says Darren Sproles won’t replace DeSean Jackson
By Josh Hill
When the Philadelphia Eagles traded for Darren Sproles earlier in the month, it made a lot of defensive coordinators nervous about having to account for Sproles and DeSean Jackson playing on the same field. Thanks to the Eagles releasing Jackson last week, the Sproles-Jackson nightmares have stopped but the question about what role Sproles will play in the offense is still hanging around.
According to Chip Kelly, the role Sproles will play will not be one that replaces DeSean Jackson in any way.
Per Ed Kracz of the Burlington County Times:
"Totally different positions. Darren is a running back. DeSean a wideout, so our whole thing, and I mentioned it when we got Darren, we’re excited about him, but we’ve got a long way to go here before we play a game so let’s get him in here. Let’s go through phase one, OTA, minicamp, and all that, and find out what his strengths are and play to them, but I’m real excited with the addition and what he can give us.”"
The Eagles will be looking at the draft to beef up their offensive weaponry and that means finding Jackson’s replacement there. Sproles will have his unique role but it will be one far separate from whatever Jackson was doing before he was cut.