As they prepare for a Week 2 showdown with the Dallas Cowboys, the Philadelphia Eagles have only one player to miss practice during this week.
Wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu is recovering from a concussion he suffered during the Eagles loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. He is also battling an elbow injury. He didn't participate at all during this week of practice.
Ajirotutu mainly plays on the special teams unit for Philadelphia.
It seems that outside linebacker Marcus Smith may be on his way from returning from a preseason hamstring injury. The injury has stuttered the development of the former first round draft pick, who didn't play much for the Eagles last year. He was a full participate on both Wednesday and Thursday.
On Thursday, head coach Chip Kelly didn't confirm that Smith will play against the Cowboys. If Smith is active, it is likely that he will be the team's third outside linebacker.
As for the Cowboys, they will be shorthanded on Sunday due to both injuries and suspensions.
Most notably, wide receiver Dez Bryant won't be able to play after suffering a foot injury in the team's week one victory over the New York Giants. Bryant tore the secondary of the Eagles apart during the last match-up in Week 15 of 2014, scoring on three touchdown receptions.
The Cowboys were ranked 28th in the NFL last season in terms of sacking quarterbacks (28). Two offseason additions of their defensive line will not be available to play this week.
Defensive end Randy Gregory will not play on Sunday after suffering an ankle injury during week one. Prior to the injury, the rookie looked like a force to be reckoned with as a pass rusher.
Also, former Carolina Panthers defensive end, Greg Hardy, will not be available as he serves a suspension for allegedly beating a woman. His suspension was originally for 10 games, but afterwards was reduced to four games.
Another starter for the Cowboys defense is suspended for this game. Middle linebacker Rolando McClain is suspended for the first four games of 2015 for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Anthony Hitchens replaced McClain in week one.
The Cowboys may be without one of the starting members of their offensive line. Ronald Leary missed practice throughout the week with a groin injury. If Leary cannot play, Mackenzy Bernadeau will play in his place.
Michael Malia is a contributing intern for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Facebook (Michael Malia) or Twitter @Michael_Malia.
