Donnel Pumphrey

Former Eagles running back and 2017 4th-round pick Donnel Pumphrey was returned to the Eagles as a member of their practice squad, the team announced on Tuesday.

Fantasy Impact

Pumphrey injured his hamstring in 2017 without ever taking a snap for the Eagles, and he was released at the end of training camp after also struggling to stay healthy throughout the offseason program. He spent much of September on the practice squad of the Detroit Lions but was released near the end of the month and has been a free agent ever since. While he is familiar with the offense in Philadelphia, he will likely need another injury or a trade to one of the team's current running backs to get a shot at being added to the active roster.

The Eagles have released running back Donnel Pumphrey, the team's fourth-round selection just last season. Pumphrey tore his hamstring and was placed on IR last September and just never could gain enough momentum to move up the depth chart.

Fantasy Impact

Listed at 5-foot-9 and just 176-pounds, Pumphrey projects to be a pass-catching satellite back at best. Still just 23-years-old, he'll likely draw some interest on the open market but doesn't project to be much of an NFL runner.

Philadelphia Eagles 2017 fourth-round pick running back Donnel Pumphrey was inactive for the team's preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday. It is not yet known if the running back sustained an injury in practice or was inactive for other reasons.

Fantasy Impact

Pumphrey is in a tight battle for a roster spot with fellow running backs Josh Adams, Wendell Smallwood, and Matt Jones, so not playing in the preseason opener is a pretty big deal. With Jones also out and Jay Ajayi, Darren Sproles, and Corey Clement -- all locks to make the roster ahead of Pumphrey -- all playing sparingly in the first half, that gave Adams and Smallwood plenty of opportunities. More information should be known about Pumphrey heading into the weekend once reporters have a chance to ask the coaching staff about his status.

Eagles Second-year running back Donnel Pumphrey showed up to camp stronger and quicker after missing most of the 2017 season due to a torn hamstring. According to Pumphrey, he has added muscle without losing any of the quickness that got him to the NFL in the first place, and the coaching staff has told him that he will be spending time in the slot this season.

Fantasy Impact

Before Pumphrey can spend any time in the slot, of course, he has to make the team. Once considered a long shot, it now sounds like Pumphrey has the inside lane on fellow running backs Wendell Smallwood, Josh Adams, and Matt Jones because of what he adds in the passing game. With Darren Sproles already announcing that 2018 will be his final season, the Eagles may have some added incentive to keep Pumphrey around to take over that role in 2019. Pumphrey will not likely be a significant fantasy contributor in 2018, but he is a decent stash candidate for dynasty leagues because of what he might offer next season.

Second-year RB Donnel Pumphrey has missed time during OTAs and is unlikely to make the Eagles backfield if the club keeps four running backs, as expected. With Darren Sproles, Jay Ajayi, and Corey Clement locks, Pumphrey is in danger of losing out to Wendell Smallwood, who doubles as a solid special teamer.

Fantasy Impact

Pumphrey was a fourth-round selection last season but was placed on IR after tearing his hamstring in September. Elliot Shorr-Parks noted that Pumphrey "has the most talent" of the players competing for the club's final RB spot, but is having a tough time staying healthy and that the Eagles could also add an established veteran to the mix. Pumphrey is a dynasty hold, but the prospects of the former San Deigo State rusher making a 2018 impact are growing slimmer.