Looks like Wolff for ailing Allen this week
Though it looked early on like safety Nate Allen was practicing Thursday, Allen said he really didn't do much, and that Earl Wolff took most first-team reps. Wolff could get his first start of 2014 in Houston.
Nickel corner Brandon Boykin practiced fully and seems set to play Sunday at Houston, but safety Nate Allen said he only loosened up in uniform Thursday; Allen was not listed as a practice participant.
Asked who would start if Allen can't go, Eagles coach Chip Kelly did not commit to backup Earl Wolff, who briefly grabbed a starting spot a year ago, when his competition was Patrick Chung, and the Birds didn't have Malcolm Jenkins.
Kelly said Wolff, Chris Maragos and fourth-round rookie corner/safety Jaylen Watkins all are in the mix at that position.
However, Eagles players indicated Wolff would be the starter. Wolff said he is ready and confident. The other starting safety, Malcolm Jenkins, said Wolff gets a lot of practice reps, even if he hasn't been on the field much in games this season. Jenkins said communication would be the biggest hurdle.
Kelly said Wolff needs to be more consistent. Pressed on whether Wolff has lived up to expectations this season, Kelly said he has no expectations for individual players, it is up to them to set and meet their own expectations.
Todd Herremans (bicep) again practiced Thursday, as did center Jason Kelce (abdominal surgery), who is expected to return to the lineup in Houston. Ditto running back Darren Sproles, who missed last Sunday's game at Arizona. Wide receiver Brad Smith (groin) was a partial practice participant Wednesday and Thursday and seemed to be running well Thursday.
Kelly said he doesn't seek detailed information on injuries, the way he does on sleep habits and nutrition, because he feels he can control sleep habits and nutrition, but not, say, the healing of a hamstring.
"If a guy tore a muscle, I'm not Dr. Myagi," Kelly said. "I can't put my hands together, rub them together, touch his leg and make him better. Just tell me who can play, who can't play. I'm really good at what we can control and what we can't control, and we can't control that. So let's go play."
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