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The Philadelphia Eagles were without both of their starting inside linebackers during the team's Wednesday practice in preparation of their Week 6 game against the New York Giants. Veteran DeMeco Ryans and third-year player Mychal Kendricks were both sitting out due to lingering injuries.
Ryans is still dealing with a groin injury he suffered in the team's Week 5 game against the St. Louis Rams. Following Tuesday's practice, Ryans said he still expects to play. Head coach Chip Kelly seemed optimistic about Ryans during his Wednesday press conference. "If there’s one guy I wouldn’t count out of anything, it would be DeMeco," Kelly said. "We’ll see how he progresses."
Kendricks is a different story. It was reported last week that Kendricks was unlikely to play in Week 6. The 24-year old Eagles linebacker was seen warming up with his helmet on during Tuesday's light practice. According to Ryans, however, Kendricks did not really participate in the practice.
Tomorrow is a key practice for both of these players. Their status on Thursday should reveal how likely their playing chances are for Sunday. Casey Matthews, Emmanuel Acho, and Marcus Smith II remain the backup inside linebackers if Ryans and/or Kendricks can't play.
Other Eagles players not practicing on Tuesday include running back Chris Polk and wide receiver Brad Smith. Polk is dealing with a hamstring issue and it seems likely he won't play based on a report from Sunday night.
Stay tuned for the official Eagles injury report coming later today.