Notes: Agholor, Alonso Expect To Play

The Eagles are in pretty good shape health-wise heading into their pivotal Week 9 matchup against the Cowboys.

Nelson Agholor said he was able to do everything at practice Tuesday and that the “game plan” is for him to play in Dallas Sunday night. The rookie receiver missed the last two games with a high ankle sprain.

“It felt good. Great to get out there and try to move around a bit,” he said.

Kiko Alonso is also hopeful that he’ll be in the lineup. The linebacker injured his knee during the first Cowboys game back in Week 2 and hasn’t played since. He now says his knee “feels really good” and is hopeful he won’t “miss a beat.”

Zach Ertz seems to be in a better place physically. He made it back in just four weeks after groin surgery  and has played in every game but wasn’t at full health, particularly early on.

“I think blocking is something I’ve improved on. The rolling of hips is something that has come along since the injury,” he said. “I feel better running, that’s for sure, breaking into my routes I feel more comfortable and I think more confident in that regard. I think I’m 100 percent healthy now. I think that’s the big difference.”

Mathews on limited carries

Ryan Mathews is not surprised by the way that he was used over the first seven games of the season.

“When I signed up here I knew what it was going to be,” said Mathews. “With DeMarco [Murray] signing and [Darren] Sproles, it’s right around where I expected it to be, being the backup.”

Mathews has been the most efficient back by a wide margin, outrushing Murray 342-307 despite 32 few carries. He has a 6.1 yards per rush average compared to 3.5 for Murray.

Has any frustration crept in?

“No,” he replied. “It’s about the team, not about me.”

Mathews confirmed that he tweaked his groin on a run against Carolina, and was concerned that it might “lock up on me” during the 63-yard TD run. He expects to be fine for Sunday.

Prior to the bye, Chip Kelly pointed to injury when asked about the difference in play time between the two backs. Mathews was asked how many games health has limited him this season.

“None,” he replied. “I’ve been good. Everything that they’ve asked me to do, I’ve done.”

Curry on trade rumors

A report surfaced earlier this week that Vinny Curry‘s name was being “bandied about” in front of the trade deadline. The four-year pro has apparently grown accustomed to the speculation.

“Here we go again. Every year since under the new regime, I got traded,” he said after practice Tuesday.

“As a player, obviously it’s good to know that other teams want you or your name is being tossed around like that. Obviously, that means you’re a good player. But at the same time, I just got to focus on the Cowboys.”

Earlier in the day, Kelly said Curry had not been discussed in trade talks.