DeMeco Ryans Injury: Eagles linebacker expects to play against New York Giants

Philadelphia Eagles starting inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans met with media after sitting out of the team's practice on Tuesday. Despite his absence, Ryans insisted he expects to play in the team's Week 6 game against the New York Giants. If true, that's obviously good news for Philadelphia.

The veteran linebacker suffered a right groin injury in Week 5 when a Rams offensive lineman hit him low while he was making a tackle. The Eagles' linebacker noted he feels good and has a positive outlook regarding his chances of playing. Ryans' status was described by defensive coordinator Bill Davis on Tuesday as "day-to-day." Davis also noted that "it looks good" for Ryans' playing chances against the Giants.

Ryans also had some insight on the injury situation of fellow Eagles inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks. Ryans noted that Kendricks, who was seen with his helmet on at the beginning of practice, did not actually participate in practice outside of warming up with the team. Kendricks wearing his helmet and stretching with the team is definitely a sign of progress, but he will need to fully return to practice before he can play. Kendricks is still recovering from a calf injury suffered in Week 2.

It goes without saying that the injury situations of Ryans and Kendricks bare watching this week. It seems like Ryans is on track to play while Kendricks could sit out. If that's the case Casey Mattthews, Emmanuel Acho, and Marcus Smith II will have to fill in yet again. The much-maligned Matthews had a solid game last week but even at his best there's still a drop-off between Kendricks and his replacements.

If Kendricks can't play in Week 6, the Eagles linebacker might be able to return to game action in Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals following the team's Week 7 bye.