Phil Sheridan, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Mychal Kendricks, Darren Sproles questionable

PHILADELPHIA – The Eagles’ Friday injury report, the last official word from the team before Sunday’s game in Arizona, left open the possibility linebacker Mychal Kendricks could play.

Kendricks, who has missed four games after straining his calf in Indianapolis, was listed as questionable. That was also the category for running back Darren Sproles (knee) and center Jason Kelce (sports hernia). Wide receiver Brad Smith, coming off surgery for a muscle tear in his abdomen, is the only player listed as out for the game.

Three players were listed as probable: running back Chris Polk (hamstring), linebacker DeMeco Ryans (groin) and cornerback Jaylen Watkins (wrist). Watkins is likely to be inactive whether he’s healthy or not.

Most of the speculation revolves around Kendricks and Sproles. Both were limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, the most involved training sessions of the week. Both were listed as full participants in Friday’s session, but that tells you more about the session than the players’ condition. Friday’s practice is a walk-through with little football activity.

If Kendricks can play, he would start alongside Ryans on the inside of the Eagles’ defense. If not, Emmanuel Acho and Casey Matthews would replace him, a platoon that has gotten more effective over the last few games.

If Sproles is unable to play, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin could take his place as the punt returner. Polk’s availability would minimize the impact Sproles’ absence would have on the offense. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said the Eagles could use Polk in the same ways they’ve used Sproles this season.

Kelce seemed the least likely to play this week. The center had surgery to repair the hernia after being forced to leave the Sept. 21 game against Washington. After the surgery, Kelce said he was hoping to return for the Nov. 10 game against Carolina. There is a chance he could be ready for next week’s game in Houston.

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