The Eagles signed running back Kenjon Barner to a one-year contract to take over roster spot when Darren Sproles was lost for the season. Photo by Andy Lewis / contrastphotography.com

Filling the roster left when Darren Sproles tore his ACL and broke his forearm on the same play Sunday afternoon against the Giants at the Linc, the Eagles signed running back Kenjon Barner to a one-year contract.

Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich talked about losing such a key contributor.

“I mean, losing a guy like Sproles is a big loss, no doubt,” Reich said. “He is a class act and an elite player, playmaker. He’s proven it over a lot of years, so it’ll be a big loss.”

Reich was asked how big of a role will Wendell Smallwood now have because of the three guys left, he seems to have a similar style of play.

“There’s no doubt Wendell is going to have an increased role,” Reich said. “He’s the guy on — I think all the guys have some third down ability, but Wendell has really improved in that area. He’s showed natural aptitude for it early, both from a protection standpoint and from a route-running standpoint. I’m not sure you can ever replace 43 in that regard. He’s just a unique player, but I feel good about Wendell and him stepping up.”

On April 27, 2013, Barner was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round (182nd overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, Barner played a limited role on special teams. He had six carries for seven yards and two catches for seven yards.

On August 19, 2014, Barner was traded to the Eagles for a conditional seventh round pick in 2015.

The trade reunited Barner with his former head coach at Oregon, Chip Kelly. Barner spent the season on the practice squad.

During the 2015 preseason, Barner attempted to make the roster behind three former NFL starters, DeMarco Murray, Ryan Matthews and Darren Sproles.  After a solid training camp and preseason, Barner played in 11 games rushing 28 times for 124 yards.

Barner played in 13 games in 2016, rushing 27 times for 129 yards and two touchdowns and recorded five receptions for 42 yards while contributing on special teams as a returner. He was placed on injured reserve on December 20, 2016.

Barner was with the Los Angeles Chargers last spring. He was released on September 2, 2017.

For the season Sproles had 15 carries for 61 yards, no TDs. He caught seven passes for 71 yards and did not get into the end zone.

Sproles fumbled on the one punt return he had this season.

Follow Al Thompson on Twitter @thompsoniii