Making Sense Of the Eagles’ Inactives

The following players are inactive for the Eagles’ NFC East matchup against the Cowboys: Trent Edwards, Mardy Gilyard, Chris Polk, Danny Watkins, Nate Menkin, Vinny Curry and Phillip Hunt.

Hunt, who had a great preseason, is a healthy scratch and inactive for the first time all season. Curry, a second-round pick, still has not dressed for a game. The Eagles have five defensive tackles active: Fletcher Cox, Cullen Jenkins, Derek Landri, Mike Patterson and Cedric Thornton.

Watkins is out for the third consecutive game with an ankle injury. Rookie Dennis Kelly was solid against the Falcons, but really struggled last week vs. the Saints.

King Dunlap, who turned in his worst performance of the season against New Orleans, moves from left tackle to right tackle. Demetress Bell, who has struggled all season, will take over at left tackle and see a healthy dose of DeMarcus Ware.

After forcing a fumble on special teams last week, Polk sits against the Cowboys because of a toe injury. Dion Lewis is active for the third time all season. LeSean McCoy, who was probable, is active and will start.

With Gilyard out, Damaris Johnson is expected to once again handle punt returns.

The Eagles have two backup offensive linemen – Matt Tennant and Julian Vandervelde. Should a tackle get injured, Kelly would likely swing out.

Be sure to join me and Tim for a live chat. Kickoff is set for 4:25.

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.
Become a fan of Birds 24/7 on Facebook.