Making Sense Of the Eagles’ Inactives

The following Eagles are inactive for today’s game against the Minnesota Vikings: QB Matt Barkley, safety Earl Wolff, CB Curtis Marsh, RB Matthew Tucker, LB Najee Goode, OT Matt Tobin and OT Dennis Kelly.

The list is exactly the same as it was last week against the Detroit Lions. Wolff (knee) is out for the fourth consecutive game. Patrick Chung will once again start at safety alongside Nate Allen.

The Eagles have four active cornerbacks: Cary Williams, Bradley Fletcher, Brandon Boykin and Roc Carmichael. Williams suffered a hamstring injury Thursday, but was listed as probable on the injury report. If he suffers a setback, Carmichael would likely take his place. But given that Marsh is inactive, the Eagles likely aren’t too concerned about Williams.

Goode (hamsting) was listed as doubtful on Friday and will miss his second straight game. Emmanuel Acho takes his place as a backup linebacker and special-teamer.

The Eagles once again have six wide receivers active: DeSean Jackson, Riley Cooper, Jason Avant, Jeff Maehl, Damaris Johnson and Brad Smith. Based on last week’s playing-time distribution, it looks like Smith might have jumped Maehl and Johnson for the No. 4 wide receiver spot.

Allen Barbre (G/T) and Julian Vandervelde (center) are the backup offensive linemen. The Eagles have started the same five offensive linemen every game this season.

As for the Vikings, running backs Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart have both been ruled out. Minnesota is expected to go with backups Matt Asiata and Joe Banyard.

Others who won’t play for the Vikings: guard Brandon Fusco (13 starts), TE John Carlson (32 catches/344 yards), CB Xavier Rhodes (six starts) and CB Chris Cook (10 starts).

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