Eagles continues to banged-up backfield as Darren Sproles ruled out for game against Vikings

The Philadelphia Eagles continue to have a banged-up backfield, as running back Darren Sproles was ruled out for Sunday's home game against the Minnesota Vikings.

The 13-year veteran Sproles will miss his fourth consecutive game because of a hamstring injury, testing a thin running back group for the defending Super Bowl champions. Corey Clement (quadriceps) is questionable for the team's NFC Championship rematch with Minnesota after not practising all week and Jay Ajayi admitted recently he is playing despite a small fracture in his back.

The Eagles also revealed that second-year defensive end Derek Barnett is also out after hurting his shoulder in last Sunday's overtime loss at Tennessee.

Meanwhile, veteran defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is listed as questionable with a calf injury after practising on a limited basis on Friday.

Other key starters -- defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (ankle), wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (chest), tackle Jason Peters (quad) -- resumed taking full practice reps on both Thursday and Friday and appear ready to play.