Eagles Injury Report: Sproles, Kelce, Kendricks, Herremans full participants in practice

The Philadelphia Eagles have released their first official injury report in preparation of their Week 9 game against the Houston Texans.

Only two players missed practice: starting safety Nate Allen and nickel cornerback Brandon Boykin. Both players are dealing with hamstring injuries and also didn't practice on Tuesday. Their injuries have been described as "day-to-day." Thursday's practice will be more revealing when it comes to determining their game status.

If Allen can't play, second-year safety Earl Wolff could start in place of the veteran. If Boykin can't play, safety Malcolm Jenkins could shift down to play his position in nickel packages. Or perhaps the Eagles will activate rookie cornerback Jaylen Watkins and let him play in place of Boykin. Nolan Carroll II, the team's dime cornerback, could also be used in different roles in the secondary. To be determined.

Starting right guard Todd Herremans was listed as a full participant despite dealing with a torn biceps muscle. Herremans will practice this week and will try to play through the pain. As Chip Kelly noted, it's 'only' a matter of pain tolerance.

There was a report on Tuesday that Eagles starting Jason Kelce is very likely to play this week. Kelly noted that Kelce plans to practice this week and make a decision on Saturday on whether he's comfortable enough to play. If Kelce plays, backup center David Molk will return to the bench.

Running back Darren Sproles was listed as a full participant in practice. Sproles, who has been dealing with a knee injury, said on Tuesday that he expects to play this week. He reiterated that message again on Wednesday.

Starting inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks was listed a full participant for the first time since suffering a calf injury in Week 2. Kendricks was limited in practice last week and only maxed out at about 30% of the team's defensive snaps while playing on Sunday. Perhaps Kendricks will see an expanded role this week.

All-Pro left guard Evan Mathis was listed as a full participant in practice and should be fully healthy upon his Week 10 return.

Wide receivers Brad Smith and Jeff Maehl returned to practice on Wednesday after sitting out on Tuesday. Smith underwent surgery on a central core muscle during Week 6 but is already back at practice. Smith was a limited participant, however. A healthy Smith gives the Eagles more receiver depth and a boost on special teams. Not to mention that Smith plays the role of emergency quarterback on game-day.

Philadelphia Eagles Injury Report (Wednesday)

Did Not Practice

S Nate Allen (hamstring)
CB Brandon Boykin (hamstring)

Limited Participation

WR Brad Smith (groin)

Full Participation

RB Darren Sproles (knee)
OG Todd Herremans (biceps)
C Jason Kelce (hernia)
ILB Mychal Kendricks (calf)
ILB DeMeco Ryans (groin)
RB Chris Polk (hamstring)
CB Jaylen Watkins (wrist)
WR Jeff Maehl (foot)

*OG Evan Mathis (knee)

*Note that Mathis is not eligible to return to the active roster until Week 10.

Houston Texans Injury Report (Wednesday)

Did Not Practice

OLB Jadeveon Clowney (knee)
ILB Brian Cushing (knee)
RB Arian Foster (knee)
WR Andre Johnson (ankle)
CB Johnathan Joseph (knee)
OLB Brooks Reed (groin)
ILB Jeff Tarpinian (knee)

Limited Participation

RB Alfred Blue (ankle)
CB Darryl Morris (ankle)
OLB John Simon (ankle)

Full Participation

DE Tim Jamison (groin)
OLB Whitney Mercilus (shoulder)
CB Jumal Rolle (wrist)