Westbrook, Maclin, Rucker Among Week 15 Inactives for Eagles

The Eagles are minutes away from beginning their game with the visiting San Francisco 49ers, and their list of players that will not be suiting up for the matchup had little surprises, which is typically a good thing. RB Brian Westbrook will be missing his 8th game of the year as he continues to rest and recover from multiple concussions. In his place, rookie LeSean McCoy will start as he has the past few weeks. Freshman player and dependable receiver Jeremy Maclin will also be out because of a torn section of his plantar facia, located in the heel of his foot. Recent practice squad promotion Martin Rucker, who plays the Tight End position, will not play because of roster unavailability, and also because starting TE Brent Celek will be able to play despite injuries in his thumb and back.

Other Eagles that will not be in action this afternoon because of roster unavailability include: OG Stacy Andrews, CB Geoffery Pope, DT Trevor Laws, and OG Mike McGlynn. Kevin Kolb will once again man the 3rd Quarterback spot while Michael Vick backs up Donovan McNabb, and the veteran WR Kevin Curtis will make his first game appearance since Week 2 after finally feeling an improvement in his injured knee.

For the 49ers, the following players were listed as inactive for today: QB Nate Davis, CB Keith Smith, CB Nate Clements, LB Diyral Briggs, C Cody Wallace, former Eagle OT Chris Patrick, DT Baraka Atkins and WR Isaac Bruce.

In a side note, the playing surface at Lincoln Financial Field has been cleared of just about every particle of snow, so there likely will be little problem with the conditions (at least less than they were initially thought to be when snow storms began on Saturday). Besides piles of snow that were gathered from the field, the grass is clean and ready to be taken by the players.

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Should We Really Root Against the Cowboys Tonight?

Once again, the Eagles fanatics have another grand plan built for them in terms of experiencing an exciting weekend of football. Last week, the Philly followers had the chance to root against the Eagles’ rival Cowboys and Redskins (as well as the NFC playoff-hunting Green Bay Packers) prior to their own game, and this week we that bleed green will again have an opportunity to view an important matchup prior to our own favorite team’s contest. The rival Dallas Cowboys (pictured) will be playing in a special Saturday evening game tonight against the undefeated and clearly unstoppable New Orleans Saints, a showdown that will likely determine whether the ‘Boys will emerge as a true postseason candidate.

Now the initial instinct for us Eagles fans is to immediately put on our senses of Dallas hatred and prepare to root against them, which we should, because obviously they have been part of a bitter rivalry with the Eagles for years. However, when this situation is examined closely, the Eagles may have an even better shot at clinching a playoff spot if the Cowboys would indeed pull out the upset over New Orleans.

Snow Storms Move Game Time to 4:15 p.m.

Because of the threat of the increasingly hazardous storm that has already coated the state of Pennsylvania with an average of 10 inches of snow, the NFL has decided to move the Eagles’ game tomorrow from 1:00 p.m. ET to 4:15 p.m. ET. According to a team official, there was roughly a half a dozen inches of snow that had compiled on the grass of Lincoln Financial Field by about 1:00 p.m. this afternoon, and weather forecasts have only shown what seems to be an increase in storm intensity throughout the remainder of the day and into early Sunday.

The league obviously does not want to risk anything in terms of fan, staff, and player safety, and therefore announced the changing of the game time. They also said that allowing the Philadelphia natives more time to clear the streets of snow and make the game attendants have a more enjoyable and easier experience, free from potentially harmful conditions was part of the reason for the scheduling transition. The Eagles organization has also issued a brief statement encouraging fans that will be at the matchup with the 49ers tomorrow to consider taking public transportation to the event in case the snow remains a hazard on the roads.

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California, Rest in Peace: Eagles vs. 49ers Week 15 Game Preview

I suppose using the term “California, rest in peace” (which was cleverly taken from the popular Red Hot Chili Peppers‘ 2006 single music hit entitled Dani California if you didn’t notice), which jokingly indicates the San Francisco 49ers will meet their end this week against the Eagles was not such a wise thing to do. Of course, we all remember the Birds’ embarrassing loss awhile back to the Raiders, who just so happen to reside in California, as well. There’s just something about these western clubs. But, seriously, enough with the comical rambling, and let’s get to previewing Philadelphia’s matchup with the Niners tomorrow afternoon. The Eagles sit at 9-4 and atop their NFC East division, and many seem to think that a victory over San Francisco will seal a playoff spot, however, there are mathematical possibilities proving otherwise. Obviously, this game will still churn out strong implications of the postseason, and despite the lack of hype the 49ers have received as a team, this Week 15 showdown should prove to be just as enjoyable as previous weeks.

Maclin, Westbrook Officially Ruled Out

Although there were strong implications that WR Jeremy Maclin was not going to suit up for the Eagles’ game this weekend against the 49ers, the rookie was officially ruled out by the team today. Another key offensive contributor (well, for other years, at least) was removed from possibility of playing as well, in RB Brian Westbrook (pictured). The veteran runner has missed a total of 7 games this year, most recently because of rehabilitation from multiple concussions, and despite a few indications that the 3-time Pro-Bowler might finally return this week, will sit out an 8th matchup.

Maclin is tending to a tear in his plantar facia, a tendon in his foot, and will be replaced in the starting lineup by veteran Kevin Curtis, who is also a big name in the injury news for the Birds. Curtis, who has not played since Week 2 because of nagging issues with his knee and surgical recovery programs, was confirmed to be a definite participant in this Sunday’s game by head coach Andy Reid earlier today. It was suggested by several sporting networks that the Eagles would have signed rookie Jordan Norwood from the practice squad if Curtis would not have been listed as an active player for Week 15, but obviously that move has no more relevance unless Curtis suddenly experiences some pre-game pain in his knee and the Birds decided to make a last-minute transaction.

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Jordan to Make Permanent Move to MLB?

The Eagles sneaked in a new defensive formation last week against the Giants that featured the latest twist on the team’s Linebacker position. The package was utilized for only a play or so, but it had Will Witherspoon and Chris Gocong manning the outside spots and Akeem Jordan (pictured) playing at MLB. Of course, veteran Jeremiah Trotter saw most of the repetitions at the position, but it is now being speculated that Jordan, who missed 4 games with a hyper-extended knee earlier in the season, will remain the primary Middle Linebacker.

Prior to his injury, the 3rd-year player had been atop the Eagles’ statistical leaders in terms of total tackles, and also had recorded a sack and a pair of interceptions. And what has been apparent all season, the Birds have constantly rotated the starter in the heart of the defense, going from young backups like Joe Mays and Omar Gaither to veterans of the Outside LB spot (such as Witherspoon and Gocong), and even to a player who was retired in 2008, Trotter.

Now the organization is contemplating Jordan’s role on the defense and may move him full-time to the middle.

Quintin Demps Retakes Kick Return Duties

Last season, Quintin Demps was the primary kick returner. In fact, he handled 52 run-backs, while the other 6 players that received repetitions at the position all got 3 or less kick returns on the year. The story of the 2009 return game has been a different story, for the Eagles seem to have rotated players at the spot ever since speedy CB Ellis Hobbs lost the job when he was placed on the Injured Reserve list with a neck injury in early November. Through 13 games on this year’s schedule, a trio of players have taken at least 6 kick returns, with another totaling 4.

Backup rookie FS Macho Harris was the latest player to carry out the kick return duties, but left Week 14 with an injury, which gives Demps his return duties back.

Bengals’ WR Henry Dies Tragically; Eagles Reflect

Today, saddening news broke across the National Football League. Multiple sources reported and confirmed that Cincinnati Bengals’ WR Chris Henry had passed away after battling with serious head injuries sustained from falling in a motor accident. He was only 26 years of age, and his death came at a tragic time for both him and his family. Although this is a site about the Philadelphia Eagles, there is a definite need for respect and tribute towards the late Mr. Henry.

Playing in his 5th season this year, the receiver looked to move on from a rocky beginning to his career that included several brushes with the law and a shaky public image that portrayed him as a high-tempered and reckless man. Henry seemed to start somewhat of a “new life” when he was given a second chance to play by Bengals’ owner Mike Brown after the team released him only a few weeks earlier. Following that event, the Louisiana native ceased his off-field issues and also looked to be more productive on the field. Through 8 games in the 2009 season, Henry had recorded 236 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and if not for a forearm injury that landed him on the Injured Reserve list (and obviously his untimely death), may have had one of the best seasons of his short career.

His death was made official at 6:36 a.m. ET, and was likely caused by life-threatening injuries to his head he suffered in what is being called a domestic dispute with his fiance, that included Henry jumping into the back of her pickup truck and later falling from vehicle. Charlotte police later found Henry’s body and transported him to the nearest hospital.

Several Eagles that were previously members of the Bengals’ organization and played alongside Chris Henry spoke about the sad event: “It’s tough because I used to hang out with the guy,” said reserve CB Geoffery Pope, who was a teammate of Henry’s for 2008 and some of this season. “He was just a great guy and I can’t even speak about his athletic ability. He was one of the most athletic people I’ve ever met or ever checked one-on-one.” Eagles’ OG Stacy Andrews, who was inked to a contract in the offseason, said this: “He congratulated me (on signing with the Eagles) and I told him to keep his head up and do the right thing,” “You really don’t think about things like that, things of that nature. So, when it comes around it’s a big shock to you and it’s a sad event.”

We send out our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Chris Henry (1983-2009). If you’d like to take a look at a brief tribute video put together by our own fantasy writer Kyle Phillippi, be sure to click here.

*The picture associated with this article, which displays Henry’s face, the phrase “1983-2009″ and a small image of Henry in uniform, has been placed as a temporary memorable tribute on the sidebar of the site.*

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DE Cole Given Fine Instead of Suspension

As mentioned in a previous article, the Eagles’ Trent Cole, one of their best defenders who leads the team with 9.5 sacks, said in a brief statement that he would be playing on Sunday despite an expected suspension for his actions in a scuffle at the end of the Birds’ Week 14 game with the rival Giants. Early today, the Defensive End received a notice from the league saying that he will be required to pay a fine of $15,000 for his unnecessary involvement in the “fight”, but will, as of now, not be held out of any future games to serve a suspension. Giants’ offensive lineman Shaun O’ Hara was also slapped with a fine of the same value, for he engaged in shoving following Cole’s punches in the skirmish, and also ripped the Eagle’s helmet from his head.

Cole (pictured) expected to receive a fine, and was obviously correct in his statements saying that he will suit up this Sunday vs. the 49ers. Following the announcement of the fine, his teammate and fellow defensive lineman Jason Babin said that not only was O’ Hara taking “cheap shots” during the late-game scuffle, but OG Chris Snee was also involved in the action. ”I’m going to put O’Hara and Snee on the Babin family Christmas card list,” Babin said in a joking manner.

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Cole to Play on Sunday Despite Skirmish in Giants Game

The Eagles were on their way to a big victory over the New York Giants. With a little over 30 seconds to play in Week 14, QB Eli Manning fumbled the ball on a sack by Philly DE Darren Howard, basically confirming the Eagles’ rivalry win. However, despite the good feeling, one of the most dominant and aggressive defenders on the Eagles’ roster got involved in a brief scuffle with some of the New York offensive lineman. Trent Cole, who leads the Birds with 9.5 sacks and definitely deserves Pro-Bowl consideration, began to throw punches at the Giants’ Shaun O’ Hara following a few verbal exchanges after the play. Eventually, shoving and more “smack talk” ensued, and both teams’ nerves began to heat.

Cole (pictured) was ejected from the remainder of the contest because of his actions, and it was expected by many that the great Defensive End would be handed a suspension by the league for his involvement in the fight. After all, the NFL has been awfully strict regarding inappropriate conduct this year, but Cole assured the media that he will be playing on Sunday, and also said this: