Philadelphia Eagles 2017 fourth round pick Donnel Pumphrey tore his hamstring in practice in what could likely end his rookie season. Although no decision has been made as of yet, it is being labeled as a “significant” injury and he is considered out indefinitely. This can only be considered as one more blow to an already extremely disappointing rookie season that had seen Pumphrey listed behind four other running backs on the depth chart as a healthy scratch in week one.
Eagles rookie 4th round pick Donnel Pumphrey tore his hamstring in practice and is out indefinitely.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2017
Donnel Pumphrey Tears Hamstring
In what was widely considered to be a talented draft for running backs, the Eagles found themselves trading up in the fourth round to select Pumphrey out of San Diego State. He rushed for 6,405 yards and 62 touchdowns in 54 career games as the all-time total offense leader in Division 1-A history.
As an undersized running back, the logical thought process was that he would become the eventual replacement for Darren Sproles. Although with only 99 receptions, 1,039 yards and five touchdowns in four years, he was not known as much of a receiver in college. Nevertheless, the hope was that Pumphrey would learn enough from Sproles in order to step into that pass-catching running back role for the Eagles for years to come.
Early on during OTAs and the three-day rookie camp, Pumphrey had exceeded expectations of the coaches with his receiving ability. Since he was not used in that capacity very much in college, it was a pleasant surprise for an offense that utilizes their running backs in the passing game.
The excitement about Pumphrey had begun to wear off after the first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. In his first game as a returner, he muffed the second punt of the game for the Packers, although he was able to recover the ball. He also fumbled the ball on an early carry during the game that was also recovered by the Eagles.
In the next three preseason games, he had failed to impress in any of them with a high of 12 carries for 37 rushing yards in the all-important third preseason game. Even with all of the hype, the inability to make an impact against second and third string players had Eagles fans wondering, and in some cases begging, for the team to release Pumphrey during the final cutdown to 53 players.
Taking everything into account, this will not make a major impact on the roster this season since the Eagles still have four other running backs. However, this could, and most likely will stunt the growth of Pumphrey into what was still hoped to be a long career in the Sproles of the offense.
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