:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/38764494/453362260.0.jpg)
Eagles first round pick Marcus Smith has yet to see action this season, but that may change very soon. The Eagles are practicing Smith at inside linebacker, according to Birds 24/7's Sheil Kapadia.
The rookie had been practicing behind Connor Barwin and Bryan Braman at the JACK linebacker position, but due to depth concerns, Smith likely is being "cross-trained" in case of an emergency situation. Smith does have the athleticism to cover tight ends and running backs, so the move makes a lot of sense. Starting inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks injured his calf in Monday's win against the Colts and is listed as "day to day." If Kendricks can't go on Sunday, Smith may have to play at his new position.
The Eagles are paper thin at inside linebacker after Kendricks and DeMeco Ryans, so Smith getting on the field is probably going to happen at some point. The next man up in the lineup is Casey Matthews who struggled so badly against the Colts that he was benched in the fourth quarter for Emmanuel Acho, who was on the practice squad less than a week before the game. The Eagles were forced to keep Matthews and bring back Acho after season-ending injuries to promising young players, Travis Long and Najee Goode.