Eagles-Texans inactives: 2 offensive linemen will watch from sideline; Rookie safety will suit up

HOUSTON – Wearing a white, long-sleeved shirt with the team’s logo emblazoned on it, Eagles guard Sua Opeta was working with the offensive linemen in one of the red-pained end zones at NRG Stadium in Houston. Opeta was working on his pass sets, preparing as if he were going against defensive linemen. However, he would not be suiting up to face the Houston Texans Thursday.

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Opeta was one of the players listed as inactive for Thursday night’s game. The Eagles will also not have Josh Sills dressed. If there were to be an injury, the Eagles still have Jack Driscoll available to step in to play guard. The Eagles have also cross-trained Cam Jurgens to play guard if necessary.

The move could have come after the Eagles had to address the defensive line. Earlier in the day, the Eagles elevated defensive tackle Marvin Wilson from the practice squad. Wilson, who signed with the Eagles in February, will suit up for the first time this season after rookie defensive tackle Jordan Davis was placed on injured reserve because of an ankle injury.

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The main thing to watch is how much the Eagles use their five-man defensive fronts, in which Davis was a fixture as the nose tackle, lining up over the center.

Playing that role, Davis commanded double teams, which freed up the other defensive lineman to get into the backfield. That role will likely fall on Marlon Tuipolutu when they use it, with Wilson spelling him when needed.

Also, with cornerback Josiah Scott out with an ankle injury, the Eagles are activating rookie Reed Blankenship for the game, the second of his career. Blankenship figures to play mainly on special teams.

Here are the list of inactives for the Eagles:

-QB Ian Book

-RB Trey Sermon

-CB Josiah Scott

-OL Josh Sills

-G Sua Opeta

Here are the players who are inactive for the Texans:

WR Nico Collins

WR Brandin Cooks

DB Isaac Yiadom

LB Neville Hewitt

OL Justin McCray

OL Austin Deculus

DL Maliek Collins

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Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.

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