Eagles Notes: Bair could have big role
Brandon Bair was inactive for the Eagles' first two games, but the veteran defensive lineman could play a big role Sunday against the New York Jets. Starting defensive end Cedric Thornton is expected to miss the game with a broken bone in his hand, and backup end Taylor Hart has not practiced this week because of a shoulder injury. That could open up playing time for Bair, who was on the practice squad in 2013 and played every game in 2014.
Brandon Bair was inactive for the Eagles' first two games, but the veteran defensive lineman could play a big role Sunday against the New York Jets. Starting defensive end Cedric Thornton is expected to miss the game with a broken bone in his hand, and backup end Taylor Hart has not practiced this week because of a shoulder injury. That could open up playing time for Bair, who was on the practice squad in 2013 and played every game in 2014.
"He was active for all 16 games for us last year, so he's obviously got a wealth of experience," coach Chip Kelly said. "He's a guy that would be active all the time for us. It's just we can't carry that many D-linemen or we would be short at another position. But we feel like he's a key contributor."
Vinny Curry split time at outside linebacker and defensive end and can also fill in for Thornton and Hart. Beau Allen, a nose tackle, is the other reserve lineman.
Bair said he hopes that the players ahead of him get healthy and are able to play, but he'll be ready if called upon.
"It's not like I've never played before," Bair said. "I think they feel comfortable with however it works out. And that's a great position for a coach to be in, knowing that your depth can play. You hate to be in the opposite spot."
Alonso out for game
Kelly said inside linebacker Kiko Alonso will not play Sunday. Alonso has a sprained knee and the team was still evaluating him.
Inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks also missed practice Thursday with a hamstring injury. Kelly said he didn't know whether Kendricks would be able to play Sunday.
The others who missed practice were Hart, Thornton, and running back DeMarco Murray.
Safety Chris Maragos was added to the injury report with a hip injury. He was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
Smith back in
Marcus Smith is expected to be the Eagles' third outside linebacker with Curry spending more time with the defensive line. Smith was a healthy scratch in Week 2 after missing the season opener with a hamstring injury.
"He's been back training with us for a couple weeks now, and we've built him up," Kelly said.
Smith, the Eagles' 2014 first-round pick, has played only 68 defensive snaps.