The Eagles got some good news on the injury front Thursday as running back Jay Ajayi was a full participant in practice.
"Yeah, it feels good to be back," Ajayi told reporters at his locker on Thursday. "It's always tough watching other guys go out to work and play in the game and you feel you can contribute, so it definitely feels good to be healthy enough to be practicing and getting ready for the game."
Ajayi suffered a back injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. He remained in the game but was ruled out for Week 3's win over the Indianapolis Colts. Thursday marked his first practice since that game.
"For me, it was an actual back injury," Ajayi said. "So it was realistically just listening to the doctors, the time frame, and just listening to my body. Once my body told me I was good enough to play and move and feel good, then it was just about coordinating with the trainers and making sure things fall in line and I've been good enough to get out there and I'm ready to play."
Ajayi said the main problem with the injury, despite its relatively short recovery time, was pain tolerance. He played through a lot of pain when he returned against Tampa Bay and had to deal with pain as he rehabilitated his injury. He said he is totally pain-free now and isn't worried about re-injuring his back.
"I'm excited to play on Sunday and I think it will be a good game for me," Ajayi said. "I wouldn't be out there on the field if I didn't. I'm ready to roll. I'm chomping at the bit to get out there and it's not going to change my mentality at all, my mindset when I run and play, so I'm just excited to be out there."
The running back room was not totally healthy on Thursday at practice. Darren Sproles missed another day of practice as he continues to battle a hamstring injury that kept him out the past two games. His status for Tennessee will be determined on Friday.
Corey Clement, who has been the lead back in the absence of Ajayi and Sproles, was limited in practice Thursday with a quadricep injury. He was a full participant in practice all week.
As Ajayi gets back on the field, he said he expects the healthy running backs to continue to carry the load for those who are injured. He also saw the positive in having a banged-up offense.
"It's not just me that's going through it as well. There's other guys in there that are dealing with things," Ajayi said. "Even me going through the rehab process with O.G. Sproles and us just constantly telling each other just shake back and things are going to happen, but you have to keep your mindset positive, go on to the next, and let's battle each day so that we can get back on the field."
