New Orleans Saints interim head coach Joe Vitt informed New Orleans reporters Friday that running back Darren Sproles will not play Monday night against the Eagles after having surgery on his broken hand.
One of the more versatile players in the league, Sproles has 39 catches for 323 yards on the season, tops in both categories among running backs in the NFL.
Eagles players were surprised to find out after practice about Sproles' injury.
"It changes their personnel, but I don't know if that changes their gameplan," linebacker Mychal Kendricks said. "I'm just going to go into it preparing how we prepared and I wish the best for him. He's one of their key guys."
With Sproles out, 2011 first-round pick Mark Ingram leads the way on the ground for the Saints, who also have Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory in the backfield.
Sproles is also an impact player on special teams as a returner of both punts and kickoffs. In that area, he is expected to be replaced by rookie running back Travaris Cadet.
The Saints will also be without wide receiver Courtney Roby, Vitt said.
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