Philadelphia Eagles cut RB Ryan Mathews, thank him for 'contributions'

Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Running back Ryan Mathews is no longer a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Philadelphia announced his release on Tuesday.

"We want to thank Ryan for his contributions to the Philadelphia Eagles over the past two seasons," the Eagles said in a statement.

"We spoke today and had a productive conversation about his future and the direction of our team going forward. First and foremost, we are glad that Ryan is healthy and has been cleared to return to football activities, but given the current state of our running back position, we feel like it is best for both sides to go in a different direction," the team said. "We wish him all the best as he continues his career."

Mathews passed his physical with the team on Tuesday. The 30-year-old had offseason neck surgery. Mathews was the No. 12 overall pick by the San Diego Chargers in the 2010 NFL Draft. He began his career splitting carries with Mike Tolbert and Darren Sproles. In 2011 he made his only Pro Bowl, after netting 1,546 yards and six scores for the Chargers. Mathews joined the Eagles in 2015, but never rushed for more than 661 yards in a season. He also never started more than eight games in a season for the franchise and appeared in 26 out 32 games during his two-year tenure.

The Fresno State product missed the entire offseason program. He suffered a herniated disk in his back on Dec. 22 in the Chargers' 24-19 win against the New York Giants. Mathews was set to make $4 million in the final year of a three-year contract.

The writing was on the wall for the seven-year veteran. Philadelphia signed free agent LeGarrette Blount to a deal this offseason. The Eagles also drafted San Diego State product Donnel Pumphrey in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Sproles and Wendell Smallwood are also expected to see roles in this backfield.