Game Preview: Eagles look to bounce back from loss in Houston

For the second time this season, the Eagles are trying to respond to a loss. For the 5-2 Eagles, the aspirations of the season still lie in front of them with the destiny still in their hands.

Week 8 handed the Eagles another tough loss that was close to going the other way. The first chance to respond comes away from home again in the 4-4 Houston Texans.

Kickoff between the Eagles and Texans is at 1 p.m.

The Eagles bring in the usual group of Nick Foles, LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin and company, but do get some relief in certain areas.

While many of the injuries are pending, there is a chance that Jason Kelce will return to the offensive line. Darren Sproles is expected to return after missing one game with an MCL sprain. Mychal Kendricks will likely see more playing time after returning last week in Arizona but playing a limited role.

The Texans are an injury-riddled team themselves. Bill O’Brien’s team may be without two crucial members to the defense – first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney and linebacker Brian Cushing are both questionable for the game.

Even those on the injury report who will almost definitely play are also battling injuries. Andre Johnson and Arian Foster both are probable. Johnson has an ankle injury. Foster has been dealing with a knee injury.

Ryan Fitzpatrick has been in control at quarterback, throwing for 1,757 yards and nine touchdowns. He also has seven interceptions.

Foster has been a big part of the offense, scoring seven touchdowns on the ground this season.

The team’s leading receiver hasn’t been Johnson, but DeAndre Hopkins, who has three receiving touchdowns and 569 yards.

Defensively, the Texans have arguable the best player in the NFL at his position. Defensive end J.J. Watt leads the team with seven sacks and has 32 tackles. He also has one interception and three fumble recoveries.

Cornerback Johnathan Joseph leads the team with 50 tackles and has two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Game Notes

• The Eagles have won all three of their prior meetings with the Texans.
• The Eagles only game at NRG Stadium was a 24-10 win over the Texans on Sept. 10, 2006. The other two wins were both in Philadelphia – 35-17 on Sept. 29, 2002 and 34-24 on Dec. 2, 2010.
• Already in the 2014 season, the Eagles have a 2-0 record against the AFC South, defeating the Jaguars in Week 1 and the Colts in Week 2.
• The offensive line has allowed just two sacks in the last six games, the Eagles best stretch since 1982.
• Milestone Watch
• LeSean McCoy needs 17 yards to pass Brian Westbrook for second on the Eagles all-time rushing list. With 23 carries, McCoy will pass Westbrook for third all-time.
• Jeremy Maclin needs three receiving touchdowns to move to 10^th place all-time on the Eagles receiving touchdown list. With 12 catches, he will move into 10^th place all-time.
• With one field goal of 50 yards or more, Cody Parkey will become the first Eagle to ever make four field goals of 50 yards or more in a single season.

Injury Report

Eagles
Questionable

• S Nate Allen (hamstring)
• WR Brad Smith (groin)

Probable

• CB Brandon Boykin (hamstring)
• TE Brent Celek (back)
• G Todd Herremans (biceps)
• C Jason Kelce (hernia)
• LB Mychal Kendricks (calf)
• WR Jeff Maehl (foot)
• LB DeMeco Ryans (groin)
• RB Darren Sproles (knee)
• CB Jaylen Watkins (wrist)

Texans
Out

• LB Jeff Tarpinian (knee)

Questionable

• LB Jadeveon Clowney (knee)
• CB Darryl Morris (ankle)
• LB Brian Cushing (knee)

Probable

• DE Timothy Jamison (groin)
• LB Whitney Mercilus (shoulder)
• CB Jumal Rolle (wrist)
• RB Alfred Blue (ankle)
• RB Arian Foster (knee)
• WR Andre Johnson (ankle)
• CB Johnathan Joseph (knee)
• LB Brooks Reed (groin)
• LB John Simon (ankle)

Where to Watch

TV: FOX (Broadcasters: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa)
Radio: 94 WIP (Merrill Reese, Mike Quick, Howard Eskin)

Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.