Eagles RB Miles Sanders returns to practice field

Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders practiced for the first time in three weeks on Thursday.

He had been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the Aug. 12 preseason opener against the New York Jets.

Coach Nick Sirianni told reporters before practice that Sanders was "feeling better every day."

"We're hopeful and we'll see what happens," Sirianni said when asked about Sanders' Week 1 availability.

Sanders, 25, gained 912 yards from scrimmage in 12 starts last season. He missed four games in 2020 and five games in 2021 due to various injuries.

He has rushed for 2,439 yards and nine touchdowns and added 104 catches for 864 yards and three scores in 40 games (34 starts) since Philadelphia drafted him in the second round in 2019.

The Eagles open the regular season at Detroit on Sept. 11. Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott would likely share the backfield duties if Sanders is not back to 100 percent.

Philadelphia added some insurance Thursday by signing running back La'Mical Perine to the practice squad.

A fourth-round pick by the Jets in 2020, the 24-year-old Perine rushed for 263 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games with New York from 2020-21.