Eagles Injury Report: Nate Allen misses practice again, Brandon Boykin returns

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

Starting safety Nate Allen did not practice on Thursday after also sitting out both Tuesday and Wednesday with a hamstring injury. If Allen can't play, second-year safety Earl Wolff will likely fill in. Allen noted that Wolff took the majority of the first-team safety practice repetitions. Head coach Chip Kelly also noted that Chris Maragos and rookie cornerback Jaylen Watkins, who apparently hasn't taken a safety rep since minicamp, could also be in the mix to replace Allen. Allen actually said that he was a limited participant on Thursday, but the Eagles official injury report says otherwise. So who knows.

Nickel cornerback Brandon Boykin returned to practice on Thursday after sitting out with a hamstring issue for two days. Despite saying he was limited in practice, Boykin was listed as a full participant in practice. Boykin did say that he feels "optimistic" about his playing chances for Sunday.

Veteran wide receiver and special teams contributor Brad Smith was also limited for the second straight day. Smith returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since having surgery on a groin injury in Week 6.

Newly added to the injury report is tight end Brent Celek, who is apparently dealing with a back injury. Perhaps this could mean in increase in playing time for second-year tight end Zach Ertz.

All other Eagles players were full participants during practice. Philadelphia running back Darren Sproles plans to return to game-action this week. The return of starting center Jason Kelce is also possible. Veteran right guard Todd Herremans will attempt to play through a biceps injury.

It sounds like starting inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks, who did not start against the Cardinals and only played 30% of the team's defensive snaps, could have a move expansive role this week.

Mychal Kendricks said he's done everything all week, ready for whole game. Asked if he's line to start, he said "that's a fair assessment."

— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffMosherCSN) October 30, 2014

Philadelphia Eagles Injury Report (Thursday)

Did Not Practice

S Nate Allen (hamstring)

Limited Participation

WR Brad Smith (groin)
TE Brent Celek (back)

Full Participation

CB Brandon Boykin (hamstring)
OG Todd Herremans (biceps)
C Jason Kelce (hernia)
ILB Mychal Kendricks (calf)
ILB DeMeco Ryans (groin)
RB Darren Sproles (knee)
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.

Eagles injury reports: Wednesday |

Houston Texans Injury Report (Thursday)

Did Not Practice

ILB Brian Cushing (knee)
OLB Brooks Reed (groin)
ILB Jeff Tarpinian (knee)

Limited Participation

OLB Jadeveon Clowney (knee)
RB Arian Foster (knee)
WR Andre Johnson (ankle)
CB Johnathan Joseph (knee)
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)