The Philadelphia Eagles have ruled out the following eight players in advance of their preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Most of these inactives are expected since Doug Pederson announced them during his Tuesday press conference.
QB Carson Wentz
RB Wendell Smallwood
WR Jordan Matthews
LB Mychal Kendricks
CB Jalen Mills
DT Mike Martin
CB JaCorey Shepherd
WR Hunter Sharp
One notable player who is NOT on the inactive list: newly acquired Eagles wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham. Pederson said DGB wasn't going to play this week, but it's possible he changed his mind. DGB was seen warming up with the Eagles prior to the game on Thursday night. DGB playing would certainly add some intrigue to this meaningless game.
Smallwood's absence is a bit of a surprise. The rookie running back missed Philadelphia's first preseason game last week due to a quad injury. He returned to practice this week, though, so it was thought he would be ready for this game. Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro writes Smallwood did not suffer a setback.
It's also a little surprising Shepherd won't play. Like Smallwood, he missed last week's game but returned to practice this week.
Keep in mind the Eagles are expected to play their starters for at least the entire first quarter and possibly into the second quarter on Thursday night.
UPDATE: DGB did indeed play a few snaps for the Eagles.
UPDATE: Caleb Sturgis is also a late scratch. Cody Parkey will handle all the kicks.
No K Caleb Sturgis tonight. Wasn't wearing helmet before game on field, hit on head by punt, suffered concussion
— Dave Spadaro (@davespadaro) August 18, 2016