Eagles placing Sanders on IR
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni announced Friday that running back Miles Sanders will be placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury, a move that will sideline the third-year runner for at least three games, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Sanders was initially considered week-to-week after sustaining the ailment during last Sunday's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He reacted to the news on social media Friday:
Philly I love y’all, I’ll be back!!!!!
— Miles Sanders (@BoobieMilesXXIV) October 29, 2021
The 24-year-old has racked up 300 rushing yards (4.8 per carry) with no touchdowns this season. He also has 118 yards on 19 receptions in 2021. Sanders topped 1,000 scrimmage yards through his first two NFL seasons.
Sanders will return in Week 11 versus the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 21 if he misses only three games.
Kenneth Gainwell, a fifth-round rookie, is expected to have an increased workload at running back with Sanders sidelined. Gainwell has amassed 120 yards (4.6 per rushing attempt) and two touchdowns this season.
The Eagles' offense has lacked consistency on the ground this year. Quarterback Jalen Hurts currently leads the team with 361 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Philadelphia sits second in the NFC East despite owning a 2-5 record. The Eagles visit the Detroit Lions on Sunday.