Eagles Injury Report: Jason Peters, Ryan Mathews, DeMeco Ryans Questionable Vs. Cowboys
By Kevin McGuire
When the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Dallas Cowboys Sunday night, no one knows how the offensive line will look. Chip Kelly doesn't seem to know just yet, as offensive tackle Jason Peters has officially been listed as questionable for the game this weekend on the team's Friday injury report. Peters was out of practice all week with a back injury. Wide receiver Nelson Agholor, running back Ryan Mathew,s and linebacker DeMeco Ryans are also listed as questionable for this weekend's NFC East rivalry game.
Peters not playing would be a big blow for the Eagles offensive line as it prepares for a feisty Dallas defensive line. With Peters out of action, Lane Johnson has been stepping in to fill the vacancy at left tackle this week. It is expected Johnson will fill in for Peters if he is not able to play Sunday night. The Eagles will be expected to follow that move by moving Dennis Kelly to right tackle to replace Johnson, and Matt Tobin will take over at right guard. That is a recipe for a shaky offensive line, especially with Greg Hardy lining up on the other side of the football. If this offensive line manages to protect Sam Bradford and allow DeMarco Murray to run, it might be a bit of a surprise.
Murray will be expected to carry the football often for the Eagles, which is the usual formula, but Ryan Mathews may be out of action this week to lighten the workload for the former Cowboys rusher. Mathews was available for a full practice session on Friday, but took off on Thursday with a groin injury that kept him limited earlier in the week. If Mathews is not available, look for more from Darren Sproles in relief of Murray.
Agholor was also listed as questionable for the game, although it is worth noting the young receiver was available for full practices all week long despite his ankle concern.
The chances veteran linebacker DeMeco Ryans sees the field look slim after a lingering hamstring injury held him out of practices on Wednesday and Thursday. He was limited in Friday's final practice before heading south. There could be some good news though, as Kiko Alonso has been upgraded to probable this week after going through full practices all week. Alonso has been out of action for a while now, but the bye week has helped give him enough time to start putting his knee injury behind him and get back on the field.
Probable:
LB Kiko Alonso (knee)
DE Brandon Bair (groin)
LB Bryan Braman (shoulder)
Questionable:
WR Nelson Agholor (ankle)
RB Ryan Mathews (groin)
T Jason Peters (back)
LB DeMeco Ryans (hamstring)
Kevin McGuire is a Philadelphia area sports writer covering the Philadelphia Eagles and college football. McGuire is a member of the FWAA and National Football Foundation. Follow McGuire on Twitter @KevinOnCFB. His work can be found on Examiner.com.