Eagles-Texans: Darren Sproles and Jason Kelce will play, Nate Allen inactive

The Philadelphia Eagles have announced their game-day inactive list in preparation for their NFL Week 9 game against the Houston Texans.

Starting safety Nate Allen is out due to a hamstring injury. Allen did not practice all week and was ruled questionable on the final injury report. Expect second-year safety Earl Wolff to replace Allen on the back end of Philadelphia's defense.

Veteran wide receiver and special teams contributor Brad Smith is also inactive after being ruled questionable on the team's final injury report. Smith returned to practice this week following surgery on a groin injury in Week 6. Perhaps Smith will be ready to return next week. James Casey will serve as the team's game-day emergency quarterback with Smith out.

Running back Darren Sproles is active and will play. Sproles was a full participant in practice this week after sitting out the team's Week 8 game against Arizona. Sproles will give the Eagles a boost on offense and as a punt returner.

Also returning to the line-up is starting center Jason Kelce. Kelce has been out since Week 3 due to a sports hernia. Kelce's return is significant and it sends reserve center David Molk back to the bench.

Starting right guard Todd Herremans will try to plan through a torn biceps muscle that he suffered last week. While no one should doubt his toughness, it remains to be seen how effective Herremans can be while playing through pain.

Nickel cornerback Brandon Boykin will play despite being limited in practice due to a hamstring injury. Boykin was ruled probable on the final injury report.

Matt Tobin will start at left guard in place of Evan Mathis, who is still on injured reserve/designated to return. Mathis is eligible to be activated to the 53-man roster in time for the team's Week 10 game next week.

Rookie first round pick Marcus Smith II is a healthy scratch for the second time this season.

Philadelphia Eagles Inactives List:

Brad Smith - Injury.

Nate Allen - Injury.

Marcus Smith II - Depth LB.

Julian Vandervelde - Depth OL.

Dennis Kelly - Depth OL.

Taylor Hart - Depth DE.

Matt Barkley - Depth QB.

Houston Texans Inactives List:

The Texans will be without starting outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and starting inside linebacker Brian Cushing.

OLB Jadeveon Clowney

ILB Brian Cushing

ILB Jeff Tarpinian

QB Tom Savage

WR DeVier Posey

CB Darryl Morris

OT Jeff Adams