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Philadelphia Eagles Injury Report: LB Marcus Smith Upgraded to Probable For Cowboys

By Kevin McGuire

The Philadelphia Eagles may have taken a loss in the first game of the season, but the short week leading into the home opener has not hurt the team in the injury report. Linebacker Marcus Smith is listed as probable for the Eagles on Sunday afternoon against the NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys. Smith was officially listed as questionable for the Birds last week due to a nagging hamstring injury. The hamstring concern is still there, but Smith was able to participate in full practice sessions all week. For that, the Eagles feel he is probable for this weekend, which likely means he will see some decent playing time in the defensive rotation.

This is a big season for Smith. The high draft pick in Chip Kelly's draft class of 2014 has failed to live up to much of anything and his role has generally been limited at best. That could once again prove to be the case, but linebacker play is important against a team like the Cowboys. With Tony Romo feeling comfortable tossing passes in the direction of tight end Jason Witten, linebackers need to be able to prevent that combo from doing much damage.

Only one Eagle has been ruled out of action for this weekend's showdown with Dallas, wide receiver Seyi Ajirotutu. Jordan Matthews' backup has sat out of practice all week as a result of a concussion. While the Eagles should be set with their three top wide receivers, Jordan Matthews, Josh Huff and Riley Cooper, the Eagles will have veteran Miles Austin or rookie Nelson Agholor likely step in place of Ajirotutu.

Tight end Zach Ertz has been removed from the injury report entirely after being listed as questionable and playing last week in Atlanta. Ertz was working through a groin injury that left some doubt as to whether or not he would play in the opener. He did, and now is of minimal concern from a health standpoint this week.

Probable:
Marcus Smith, LB (Hamstring)

Out:
Seyi Ajirotutu, WR (Concussion/Elbow)

Kevin McGuire is a Philadelphia area sports writer covering the Philadelphia Eagles and college football. McGuire is a member of the FWAA and National Football Foundation. Follow McGuire on Twitter @KevinOnCFB. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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