No surprise: Logan ruled out for Cowboys

Trying to neutralize NFL rushing leader Ezekiel Elliott is a difficult enough task under normal circumstances. Subtract one of the league's best run-stopping defensive tackles from the equation and the job gets even tougher.

As expected, the Eagles ruled Bennie Logan out of Sunday night's important NFC East battle against Elliott and the 5-1 Cowboys. Logan has a groin strain. He also missed last week's game against the Vikings.

"It's huge," Eagles coach Doug Pederson said of not having Logan against the league's No. 1 rushing attack. "It's big. Anytime you lose a great player like Bennie in the middle for a couple of weeks, it can definitely hurt you a little bit.

"But I've always been of the next-man-up mentality. And that's where we're at."

The next man up is third-year man Beau Allen, who will take the lion's share of the snaps next to the Eagles' All-Pro defensive tackle, Fletcher Cox. Allen played 67 percent of the snaps against the Vikings. Cox played 71 percent.

Rookie Destiny Vaeao also rotated in as the third tackle last week. He played 30 snaps against the Vikings.

Earlier this week, the Eagles signed another tackle, Taylor Hart, off waivers. So, they likely will dress four interior linemen. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz also uses defensive end Vinny Curry inside occasionally in passing situations.

Allen played very well against the Vikings. Did a good job against the run and rushing the passer. He also recovered a fumble.

"Beau played good," Pederson said. "He's a guy who gives you great effort every time he's in there."

NOTES: In addition to Logan, backup linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (hamstring) also has been ruled out. . .  Taylor Hart tweaked his right ankle Thursday and didn't practice Friday. But Pederson said he will be available for the game. Cornerback Ron Brooks had surgery to repair his ruptured right quad tendon.