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Malcolm Jenkins, three other Eagles raise fist during national anthem

    by Zach Berman
    Published 

CHICAGO — Malcolm Jenkins was one of four players who raised a fist during the national anthem before Monday's game against the Chicago Bears. Defensive end Steven Means, cornerback Ron Brooks, and linebacker Marcus Smith were the others.

All players on the Eagles stood during the anthem. Some, such as tackle Jason Peters, had hands over their hearts. Means, Brooks, and Jenkins were next to each other and were shown on national television.

Jenkins said Saturday that he would have a demonstration during the national anthem, joining other players in the league who are trying to raise awareness about social injustice. Jenkins indicated then he would continue the demonstration throughout the season.

"Whatever I do, it's my way of expressing the same exact message," Jenkins said Saturday. "You've seen the impact it's had not only throughout the league but around the country with the conversations that were sparked."

Ertz, McKelvin out

Zach Ertz and Leodis McKelvin were the top players who were inactive for the Eagles on Monday. Both players were announced as out before the team left for Chicago. Ertz has a displaced rib and McKelvin has a strained hamstring.

Ron Brooks started at cornerback on the outside, although Jalen Mills mixed in at outside cornerback in the base defense and played there in nickel formations. Brooks, Mills, and Nolan Carroll were the only active cornerbacks for the Eagles.

The other inactive players were wide receiver Bryce Treggs and offensive linemen Isaac Seumalo, Dillon Gordon, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, and Josh Andrews. All four offensive linemen were also inactive last week. Treggs was injured last week but was a healthy scratch on Monday.

Safety Terrence Brooks was active for the first time in his Eagles career on Monday. The Eagles dressed five safeties to go along with the three cornerbacks.

Extra points

When Bears kicker Connor Barth missed a 31-yard field goal in the first quarter, it was the first time an opposing kicker missed a field goal against the Eagles since Nov. 18, 2014. Kickers were 27 of 27 on field goals against the Eagles last season. … Jenkins recorded his first sack as a member of the Eagles. He last had a sack in 2013 while with the New Orleans Saints. … Eagles safety Jaylen Watkins suffered a knee contusion.