Darren Sproles injury: Saints running back out 1-2 games with broken hand

The New Orleans Saints will be without running back and return specialist Darren Sproles when they face the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night. Sproles, who suffered a broken hand that required surgery, could also miss next week's game against the Atlanta Falcons, according to a report by ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Sproles has 117 yards on 26 carries and 323 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 37 catches in seven games this season. The Saints have battled other injuries this season, losing Marques Colston and tight end Jimmy Graham for stretches. Sproles is expected to be reevaluated next week to see if he can play against the Falcons.

Last season, Denver Broncos' running back Wills McGahee returned after two games from the same hand injury.

Sproles is an important part of the Saints' offense and plays a crucial role in setting them up with favorable field position. He set an NFL record with 2,696 all-purpose yards in 2011.