Eagles-Cardinals inactives: Darren Sproles out, Mychal Kendricks will play

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced their game-day inactive list in preparation for their NFL Week 8 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Running back Darren Sproles in inactive. The veteran rusher was originally ruled questionable heading into this week's game. Sproles has been valuable to the Eagles not only as an offensive contributor but as the team's punt returner as well. Look for backup running back Chris Polk to replace some of Sproles' touches. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is a candidate to replace Sproles on punt returns. Rookie tight end Trey Burton will serve as the team's third running back behind McCoy and Polk.

Starting inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks is active for the first time since leaving Philadelphia's Week 2 game early with a calf injury. Kendricks, like Sproles, was ruled questionable heading into this week's game. It remains to be seen if Kendricks will be play his regular full-time snaps or be used in a limited role. If the latter is the case, expect the trio of Casey Matthews, Emmanuel Acho, and Marcus Smith II to take some snaps at inside linebacker.

To no surprise, starting center Jason Kelce is still inactive. Kelce could make a return as soon as Week 9 or as late as Week 10. Backup center David Molk, who played well in Week 6, will fill in for Kelce. Julian Vandervelde will serve as the backup to Molk.

Matt Tobin will start at left guard in place of Evan Mathis, who is still on injured reserve/designated to return. Mathis return to practice this week and was a limited participant. The All-Pro veteran is eligible to be activated to the 53-man roster in time for the team's Week 10 game.

Special teams contributor and depth wide receiver Brad Smith is still out after having surgery on a central core muscle in Week 6. Expect rookie Josh Huff and Jeff Maehl to replace Smith's role on special teams. Veteran tight end James Casey will serve as the team's emergency backup quarterback.

Philadelphia Eagles Inactives List:

Jason Kelce - Injury.

Brad Smith - Injury.

Darren Sproles - Injury.

Jaylen Watkins - Depth CB.

Dennis Kelly - Depth OL.

Taylor Hart - Depth DE.

Matt Barkley - Depth QB.

Arizona Cardinals Inactive List:

Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell is active and will play. Campbell has been dealing with a knee injury which limited him in practice.

TE Troy Niklas