Hamstring injury keeps Murray sidelined

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. DeMarco Murray did not play in the Eagles’ 24-17 win over the New York Jets on Sunday because of a hamstring injury.

Murray injured his hamstring during practice on Wednesday. He did not practice on Thursday and was listed as questionable for the game. Murray tested his hamstring before the game.

“He tried pre-game,” coach Chip Kelly said, “and just couldn’t go.”

Darren Sproles started the game in Murray’s place, but Ryan Mathews took the bulk of the carries. Mathews finished with 25 carries for 108 yards.

The Eagles also were down linebackers Kiko Alonso and Mychal Kendricks; defensive linemen Cedric Thornton and Taylor Hart; and wide receiver Josh Huff due to injuries.

Alonso (knee), Kendricks (hamstring), Thornton (hand), and Hart (shoulder) were all declared out on Friday. Huff was added to the injury on Saturday because of a hamstring injury.

“He was just running around and felt something in his hamstring,” Kelly said. “He tried to see if he could go today, but he couldn’t go.”

Jordan Hicks started at inside linebacker in place of Kendricks. Brandon Bair started at defensive end in place of Thornton. Kenjon Barner was the Eagles’ kick returner in Huff’s place.

It was the first career starts for Hicks and Bair. Hicks led the team with 10 tackles and had one interception and one fumble recovery. Bair had four tackles and three pass deflections.

“I was talking to Fletcher Cox before the game started and when you got guys like him and Bennie Logan next to you, it is a lot easier to relax and just go out there and do your thing,” Bair said. “You don’t have to do somebody else’s job and worry about somebody else screwing up.”

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