Doug Pederson confirmed on Monday that Darren Sproles will miss the rest of the season with an ACL tear and broken arm.

The Birds running back and punt returner walked off the field under his power after suffering both injuries on the same damn play in Sunday’s 27-24 win.

Pederson said that Byron Marshall will be “part of the thought process going forward” as the team looks for a roster replacement. Torrey Smith is expected to return punts.

Jordan Hicks and Fletcher Cox are expected to be “okay” and are “day-to-day” with a calf and ankle injury, respectively.

More from the head ball coach:

Does part of the offense go out the door without Sproles?

“I don’t think so. I don’t think so. I think what you saw with Wendell (Smallwood) yesterday, and even some things with Corey (Clement).. you know, it’s going to have to be that ‘next man’ mentality. But I think Wendell, on third down specifically, and Corey as well, are going to have to stand up and assume that role. It’s always been the next guy up mentality and that’s kind of where we’re at right now.”

Context: Smallwood and Clement both had some success running the sweep/stretch plays that Sproles is so good at. 

This is an example of a carry that probably would have gone to Sproles:

Was there enough data to determine whether you should have gone for it on 4th and 8?

“There’s definitely enough data out there. Now, with all of the technology, you can go back and, listen, I don’t study it like our guys do upstairs, but there is enough data. You can go back 10 years and gather a bunch of information. It really makes the decision making – obviously it’s ultimately my decision – but it definitely puts a nice light on the decision if you decide to do that.”

Context: Kyle wrote a bit about it here: Dumb and Dumber

Who do you communicate with regarding that data?

“Ryan Paganetti.”

Context: Paganetti is listed as “Coaching Assistant/Linebackers” on the Eagles’ website. He was an analyst for the Birds from March, 2015 to May of this year.

How does that work?

“Really we talk every day during the week leading up to the game. During the game, the communication between he and I is, we even talk on second down, you know, ‘be prepared for (this)’ or ‘maybe expect this.’ Those questions and scenarios, we’re beginning to talk, those situations we’re actually talking on second down. When we get into those situations, those areas of the field, where it might be a ‘go for it’ situation, or ‘hey, let’s get the points here, let’s do this,’ whatever it might be, we have those conversations early in the series.”

Context: n/a

4th and 8 historically has an 18% success rate, are you good with that number?

“Well my number that we went off of, and I don’t know where you got your information, was 33%. It’s actually a half percentage point in our favor and it comes down to basically a 50/50, where we were on the field. That comes down to my decision. It was my decision, ultimately.”

Context: This was a Reuben Frank question. I don’t know where that 18% comes from and didn’t see anything on his Twitter feed about it. Again, I think the 4th and 8 had less to do with nuance-free data and more about in-game flow. The play looked a lot worse because Carson Wentz took a terrible sack. If this was an incomplete pass, the Giants would have started at their own 43 instead of the Eagles’ 49.

Did the play of the defense factor into that fourth down decision?

“Most certainly. Offense was actually playing well, defense was playing outstanding. That factors into a lot of those decisions on fourth down. The other two fourth downs that no one’s talking about are the two fourth and inches that lead to touchdowns. 67% on fourth down in a game is pretty good. Then, ultimately, our defense on fourth and goal did an outstanding job to keep them out of the end zone right before half.”

Context: Ding ding ding ding ding! We have a winner! Everyone will rip Doug for a shitty 4th and 8 call, but won’t give him credit where it’s due. Twice in this game his aggression extended drives and led to touchdowns. 

On the left guard rotation:

“I think there was some positive with both players. Chance (Warmack) had a couple of opportunities, missed opportunities, early in the game, but bounced back in the run game and was effective. At the same time, Wis getting an opportunity, listen, Wis is that veteran player. You know when you put him in that he’s going to execute and do some nice things for you. It’s something we’ll evaluate again this week going forward. By Sunday, we’ll have the best five out there.

Context: Wisniewski played about 58% of the snaps. I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t be starting next weekend. 

Where does that leave Isaac Seumalo?

“He’s still in the mix.”

Context: Is he? 

On Odell Beckham, Jr.’s dog pee celebration:

“Listen, I’m really not gonna comment on that. But our players see it. Our fans see it. It’s one of those things I think you just kind of file away in the back of your mind. You just remember those things and you move on. It’s unfortunate. I have to control our guys obviously, and every other coach has to control their players, but it’s something that, you don’t want to see it in the game. I think it takes away from a great play that he just made. But, you know… yeah.”

Context: 

https://twitter.com/davelozo/status/912036376144744450

Here’s ODB’s explanation:

“I scored a touchdown. I’m a dog. So I acted like a dog. I didn’t know if the rule book said you can’t hike your leg. He [the official] said I peed on somebody. So I was trying to find the imaginary ghost that I peed on. But I didn’t see him. But either way it goes, you play football. I wear red and white. I don’t wear black and white with stripes on it. I don’t make calls. I just play football.”