Making Sense Of the Eagles’ Inactives

The following players are inactive for the Eagles’ Monday night matchup against the Saints: Trent Edwards, Mardy Gilyard, Darryl Tapp, Danny Watkins, Nate Menkin, Vinny Curry and Nate Allen.

Allen was questionable and didn’t practice on Friday or Saturday because of a hamstring injury. Taking his place will be David Sims, who has never played a defensive snap in the NFL. The Eagles acquired Sims from the Browns before the season, and he has a pretty remarkable story, going from trash man to starting safety against Drew Brees on national TV.

Mike Patterson is active for the first time after undergoing offseason brain surgery. Andy Reid said he’d monitor the defensive tackle’s snaps. Tapp is with his wife for the birth of their first child. Curry has yet to be active this season. Presumably, Brandon Graham and Phillip Hunt will take Tapp’s snaps at right defensive end behind Trent Cole. The Eagles have nine defensive linemen active – five tackles and four ends. Cullen Jenkins has played some DE this season as well.

Watkins is out for the second consecutive week with an ankle injury. Rookie Dennis Kelly once again gets the start. Aside from a couple miscues, he played well against the Falcons.

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

For the first time this season, all four Eagles running backs – LeSean McCoy, Dion Lewis, Bryce Brown and Chris Polk – are active. Lewis is active for the second time all season.

The Eagles have two backup offensive linemen – Demetress Bell and Matt Tennant.

Be sure to join me and Tim for a live chat during the game. Kickoff is set for 8:30.

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.
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