Eagles vs Falcons injury report: Danny Watkins doubtful for Sunday

Eagles G Danny Watkins (ankle) missed practice for the second straight day and has been officially listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Falcons. Andy Reid said today that he has not ruled out Watkins, but if he can't go rookie Dennis Kelly will get the start.

"Danny we have listed as doubtful,: Reid said. "Did not practice today and we'll just see. It's a day-by-day situation. Again most likely, and the guy who is taking the reps, is [T/G] Dennis Kelly. Most likely he'll continue to do that. We'll see how he does tomorrow and as far as Danny goes.

Reid said that Watkins ankle is something that has bothered him since college, but it wasn't until last week when he "tweaked" it that it really became a problem.

His replacement, Dennis Kelly, was a 4 year starter at Purdue, but it was at LT. He says he has worked all along the offensive line since he's been in Philadelphia and is ready to go Sunday if called upon.

"I've just been preparing all week if I have to start," said Kelly. "In the same sense, if [G] Danny [Watkins] plays, that's great. I have been just trying to mentally prepare myself to play. It's better to be ready to play than at the last minute be thrown in and be ready to go."

Kelly is big for a guard at 6-8, but he says offensive line coach Howard Mudd sees his size and athleticism as a strength even on the inside.

"He does like the fact that I am as big I am. I can really get into the guys really easily - he likes to use the word ‘smother'. [He also likes] the fact that, as big as I am, I'm athletic for my size and I can still move my feet. He likes the fact that I have a mixture of both, a big guy and a quick guy."

There was a question as to why Todd Herremans, who has a ton of experience at guard wasn't moved inside and Kelly slotted in at tackle. But Herremans says that the team doesn't want to completely disrupt the line.

"I really think they are trying to work toward less moving parts right now," Herremans explained. "I haven't taken any snaps inside this year. I haven't been asked to play guard, even though they know I could. I think that they don't want to try shoving me inside at the last minute. Dennis has been taking reps inside for the last couple of weeks. Also, he's young, hungry, and excited to play. I'm excited to be out there with him."