Darren Sproles at practice. Photo by Andy Lewis/contrastphotography.com

The Eagles picked up running back Darren Sproles in offseason for many reasons. The former New Orleans Saint is fast, shifty and smart. Sproles, who broke a lot Eagles hearts at the end of their playoff game with his 39-yard kickoff return, setting up kicker Shayne Graham’s winning boot, believes his role will be the same now that he is in Eagles green.

Even though the Eagles used him sparingly during their 34-28 loss to the Chicago Bears in theor preseason opener.

“I think my role will be that they bring me in in spurts,” said Sproles, who gained 11 yeards on just three carries and no catches. “To spell Shady (McCoy) a little bit and I’ll be back there catching punts as well.”

What fans will want to watch is Sproles’ ability to pass block. When uoui are listed at 5-foot-6, 190 pounds you better be the toughest guy on the field to be successful.

Sproles relishes that part of his game more than anything.

“There is nothing better than pickingup a big blitz and the quarterback making a big touchdown throw,” Sproles said. “ It’s a great feeling, especially when you pick up somebody that’s about 260-265 pound dude…it feels pretty good.”

Pro Bowl defensive end Trent Cole is glad Sproles is on his team now rather than having to chase him around anymore.

“He has amazing agility,” Cole said. “The guy’s got big quick feet. People say that size don’t matter…he may be short, but he plays big. He going ot be great. We’re grateful to have him. He’s going to help us reach that goal (Super Bowl).”

Cole said Sproles became a good pass blocker from learning the ropes.

“He’s been in the league a long time,” Cole said. “Sproles and me came (the NFL) the same time, he’s a vet, he knows the game, he know all these little tricks here and there…he’s a great player and will do well for us. I am looking forward to the season with him.”

His former teammate Malcolm Jenkins, a safety, talked about Sproles and his attitude towards pass protection.

“He’s small, so you think think he’s a liability in there, but he’s really good at pass protection,” Jenkins said. “He understands it. He puts himself into position to make plays, and he’s not just cutting everybody. He’s standing in there taking on blocks and holding up.

“I think Darren has a little Napoleon complex in him,” Jenkins continued with a laugh. “He doesn’t like it when people call him small. Those are the things that he takes pride in. The hard-work things, things that take attitude and ‘want to’ to do. He’s really good at that because he has that Napoleon complex.”

Sproles talked about playing now with quarterback Nick Foles,.who at 6-6, 245 pounds, towers over his former signal-caller Drew Brees, listed generously at 6-0, 209.

“Foles is much more taller than Brees, so he can see downfield a little bit more,” Sproles said. “You know Brees had to stand on his tippy-toes just see over his line…” at that point Sproles could not help but crack up at his own joke.

Something tells me Sproles’ contributions to the Eagles offense will be anything but a joke.