The Philadelphia Eagles will be playing in Super Bowl LII without the services of Darren Sproles. The veteran running back was lost for the year just three games into the season after breaking his arm and tearing his ACL on the same play against the New York Giants in September.

There were fears that that might have been it for the diminutive 35-year-old back. However, it appears he does not want to end his playing career with an injury and is leaning toward returning for a 13th NFL season in 2018.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:

#Eagles RB Darren Sproles, on IR, tells me he’s leaning toward returning to play, rather than retire. Says he doesn’t want to go out with an injury. “I want to go out on my terms.” Describes himself as proud of his team this year.

While Sproles intends on returning, he’ll be a free agent in the summer and may not have a place in Philadelphia. The Eagles have two young backs in Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement who are ready to take up more significant roles in the offense next season.

It also remains to be seen whether teams will be lining up to sign an undersized 35-year-old back coming off a serious knee injury. But if Sproles can come back anywhere close to his previous form, then he may still be able to help a team’s running back rotation. Sproles still put up 865 yards from scrimmage in his last full season in 2016 and has proven to be a reliable pass catcher from the backfield.