Darren Sproles injury: Saints RB back at practice

New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles returned to practice Wednesday, according to New Orleans Times-Picayune columnist Mike Triplett. Sproles was "listed as limited," but Saints coach "Joe Vitt said he was full-go in shells and looked good." Sproles both caught and ran the ball, according to reports.

Sproles is recovering from a surgery he underwent to repair a broken hand suffered against the Denver Broncos. According to the NFL Network, there was speculation that he would miss up to two months of action. While it's not certain Sproles will be ready for action when New Orleans takes on the Oakland Raiders this weekend, it's looking more likely.

After losing their first four games, the Saints have won four out of their last five, including a 31-27 victory over the previously-unbeaten Atlanta Falcons. Third-year running back Chris Ivory has picked up much of the running load left by Sproles. Ivory has averaged 60 yards per game over the last two weeks and leads the Saints in that category. He hasn't matched Sproles' receiving output, however. Sproles ranks fourth on the team in receptions with 39.

This story originally appeared on SBNation.com.