DeMeco Ryans Injury: Eagles linebacker will play against New York Giants

According to a report from Howard Eskin, Philadelphia Eagles starting inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans will be active tonight as the team faces the New York Giants.

Demeco Ryans I'm told will play tonight for @eagles

— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) October 12, 2014

This is obviously good news for Philadelphia. Ryans was ruled questionable on the team's final injury report heading into this match-up. Ryans is dealing with a groin injury that kept him out of practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ryans returned to practice on Thursday but was a limited participant. It remains to be seen how effective Ryans will be given that he's seemingly playing at less than 100%.

The Eagles really need Ryans to play because the defense will still be without fellow starting inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks, who was ruled out on Friday. Kendricks has been dealing with a calf injury since Week 2. It seems possible he could return following Philadelphia's Week 7 bye.

Having Ryans on the field is also crucial due to his leadership role and pre-snap responsibilities (see: "quarterback of the defense"). Note that Ryans is designated to wear the helmet with the headset in it.

The Eagles and Giants play on Sunday night at 8:30 PM EST. Official game day inactives won't be released until around 7:00 PM.