He got off to a great start in 2014, catching passes out of the backfield and returning punts during the Eagles' formerly promising campaign. He rushed for a touchdown in an early match at the Colts and carried an 82 yard punt to the house at the 49ers. But his wide utility could find him in a new position again this time around -- slot receiver.
He has already seen some consistent time at that spot in the three days since training camp began, so it appears coaches are determined to see what he can provide from that post.
A new role may just be what he needs. The Eagles filled up on the tailback position in their offseason work, signing DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews to take the primary carries, so anything Sproles does from behind the quarterback was bound to be limited already.
But Chip Kelly and his coaches still see an abundance of opportunity he can provide to the team. It would be a careful balance, though -- too much of him could take away from the surprise his bursts can bring, but too little, also, can compromise what the team as a whole can do, as it did last season when he was asked to do less.
A receiving role is one Sproles would have little trouble adapting to. He has 418 receptions for 3,768 yards and 27 touchdowns over his nine-year NFL career.
He torched the Colts in their Week 3 game of 2014 with 152 yards through the air before his sudden absence from the gameplan not long after. Consequently, 2014 saw his lowest production as a pass catcher: 40 catches for 387 yards.
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