As if the New Orleans Saints weren’t dealing with enough problems, now they’ll have to get by without one of the NFL’s most versatile players.
Running back and return specialist Darren Sproles underwent surgery for a broken hand and won’t be able to play Monday night when the Saints take on the Philadelphia Eagles at the Superdome.
Interim coach Joe Vitt did not reveal which hand was hurt. Sproles will be re-evaluated next week to determine if he can play against the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons.
Sproles set an NFL record with 2,696 all-purpose yards last season. He ranks second on the team in receiving (39 receptions, 323 yards, four touchdowns), third in rushing (26 carries, 117 yards) and handles kickoffs (averaging 28.7 yards a return) and punts (a 6.6-yard average).
BEST’S SEASON DONE
Jahvid Best’s season has ended before it began.
The Lions announced that Best will stay on the physically unable to perform list for the year.
Detroit general manager Martin Mayhew said medical experts have recommended Best not return to the field this season.
Best hasn’t played in more than a year because of concussion problems.
Best was limited to six games last season after having what he said was the third concussion of his football career.
COUNT ON PETERSON
Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is listed as probable to play at Seattle, despite his absence from the final full practice of the week.
The Vikings wanted to give the sprained left ankle that has bothered Peterson for the last month some extra rest, so he worked in the pool and received treatment instead of taking the field Friday. But coach Leslie Frazier said the move was merely precautionary.
EXTRA POINTS
Broncos cornerback Tracy Porter didn’t travel with the team to Cincinnati and will miss his third straight game as doctors continue to regulate his medication to control seizures. … Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray will miss his third consecutive game because of a sprained right foot. … Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor was activated from the physically-unable-to-perform list and will play against Baltimore. … The Jaguars will be without safety Dwight Lowery (foot) and cornerback Rashean Mathis (groin). Cornerback Derek Cox (back) is listed as questionable. … Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon and safety Brandon Meriweather have been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Panthers, while linebacker Perry Riley is questionable with a hamstring injury. … Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game at Indianapolis, and coach Joe Philbin says there’s no timetable for a decision on whether he’ll play. … Giants middle linebacker Chase Blackburn will miss the game against the Steelers with a hamstring injury. … Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer is listed as doubtful thanks to a right quad strain that prevented him from practicing. …Titans right guard Leroy Harris will be out against the Bears with an injured right knee, and veteran Deuce Lutui will start in his place for Tennessee in his first action since signing in September.
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