Making Sense Of the Eagles Inactives

The following Eagles are inactive for today’s game against the 49ers: QB Matt Barkley, WR Jeff Maehl, CB Jaylen Watkins, OL Jason Kelce, OL Dennis Kelly, LB Mychal Kendricks and DL Taylor Hart.

The biggest change from a week ago is that Josh Huff is active for the first time all season. The Eagles’ third-round pick has been sidelined with a shoulder injury (AC sprain). He thought he was ready to go last week, but Chip Kelly disagreed, saying Huff wasn’t physically or mentally ready to go. Apparently, that’s changed this time around, and Huff will take Maehl’s spot. Look for him to play special teams and rotate in at wide receiver.

The other change is that Kelly sits instead of Kevin Graf, who was released.

Matt Tobin gets the start for the second consecutive week at left guard. The offensive line from left to right is: Jason Peters, Tobin, David Molk, Todd Herremans and Lane Johnson. Johnson will see his first action of the season after serving a four-game suspension. The plan is for him to play his way into football shape.

The Eagles are still without Jason Kelce (sports hernia) and Evan Mathis (knee). The two backup linemen today are Andrew Gardner (tackle) and Wade Smith (guard/center).

Brandon Boykin, who was questionable with a hamstring injury, is active.

With Kendricks still sidelined, look for Casey Matthews, Emmanuel Acho and Marcus Smith II to combine to replace him at inside linebacker once again.

Chris Polk will again be the third running back behind LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles.The Eagles have five wide receivers active: Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper, Jordan Matthews, Brad Smith and Huff. All four tight ends – Brent Celek, Zach Ertz, James Casey, Trey Burton – will dress.

For the Rams, the most notable nugget is that slot receiver Tavon Austin is active. He’ll likely get matched up wit Boykin