Philadelphia Eagles' running back LeSean McCoy is tired of answering questions about what's ailing the Eagles' running game - and what's ailing him.
McCoy, last season's leading rusher in the NFL, is currently averaging 2.9 yards per carry this season. He's got 273 yards on 94 carries in five games; paltry numbers for such a talented back.
"Everything's fine," McCoy said to reporters Wednesday, ahead of the Eagles' NFC East matchup against the New York Giants this weekend.
Late in last weekend's victory over the St. Louis Rams, McCoy was pulled in favor of backup running back Darren Sproles with the Eagles holding onto a tight lead and needing to bleed the clock.
The Eagles, with LeSean toting the rock, couldn't get anything worthwhile going in the run game all afternoon.
Sproles immediately broke free for a 25-yard scamper.
Afterwards, McCoy said he was fine with coming out of the game at that critical juncture. In fact, he initially said he pulled himself out. Coach Chip Kelly corroborated that version of events.
"I think what happened with Sproles, though - I'm confident even though I was taken out," McCoy said. "Because here's the thing: If I do come out, that has nothing to do with me, stops me from nothing. Sproles can take over, and we don't miss a thing."
As the week progressed, stories changed. Running backs' coach Duce Staley said Tuesday that he pulled McCoy because he thought McCoy was tired. McCoy agreed with that on Wednesday.
When asked by reporters if he was unhappy with the decision, McCoy claimed he thought he was getting the ball, but wasn't upset when he didn't.
"Yeah, I was hot. I mean, who wouldn't want the ball?" McCoy said. "I wasn't pissed, but I thought I was getting it."
But he claims that if he were, he'd feel no fear in sharing those feelings with the coaching staff.
"I will always voice my opinion . . . no matter whether I should or I shouldn't."
That's pretty bold.
The Eagles jettisoned DeSean Jackson this offseason amid reports that he didn't fully buy into Chip Kelly's program, and may have been slightly too vocal about it.
This is where things get tricky for McCoy. Right now, he's the unquestioned bell cow back in Philly. But quality running backs aren't as hard to come by these days. Runners with big egos and big contracts are a thing of the past.
McCoy signed a 5-year, $45 million contract before the 2013 season that included just $8.5 million in bonus money. He makes $7.65 million this season, but that was guaranteed.
He is owed more than $24 million over the next three seasons - $1 million is guaranteed.
It would cost the Birds just $3.4 million against the cap and $1 million in real money to save the other $8.75 million in real money he is owed in 2015.
The Eagles - other than pulling McCoy and replacing him with Sproles last Sunday - have given no indication that they're looking to separate from McCoy after this year or even lessen his touches going forward.
But, if McCoy can't get untracked and the Eagles can't get the run game going, questions about McCoy's future with the team will continue to linger.
