Eagles' Kendricks out with calf injury

The Eagles officially ruled linebacker Mychal Kendricks out for Sunday's game against the Redskins. He suffered a calf injury in Monday night's win over the Colts.

Emmanuel Acho or Casey Matthews will start in his place, although there is the possibility both could split snaps, or that rookie Marcus Smith, after practicing at inside linebacker for the first time, could see the field on passing downs.

The extent of Kendricks' injury or how much further he will be out is unknown. Eagles coach Chip Kelly said on Thursday that he didn't know the results of Kendricks' MRI. The third-year linebacker, who walked gingerly and with a limp all week, would only say, "I've got to listen to Chip."

The Eagles were light at inside linebacker to begin with. Najee Goode, who had been the first reserve off the bench, suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in the opener. Acho was signed off the practice squad the same day Goode was placed on injured reserve.

Matthews was first to replace Kendricks after he left in the third quarter, but after he missed an open field tackle, Acho was on the field for the Colts' final drive. Acho said he took the majority of first team repetitions on Thursday a day after Matthews was the starter in practice.

Eagles defensive coordinator Bill Davis said there wasn't much difference between Acho and Matthews and that he could end up rotating linebackers opposite DeMeco Ryans.

"They're both very intelligent guys that can set our front," Davis said Wednesday. "They can line us up. They understand the defense thoroughly. They're very instinctive between the box. They're good tacklers."

Acho, now in his third NFL season, has had a roller coaster career, the type many bubble roster players endure. Similar to last year, the Eagles cut him before the season only to sign him to the practice squad and then eventually the 53-man roster. Unlike last year, he's projected to make his first career start.

"You have to be psychologically tough," Acho said about his journey. "When you're on practice squad it's in your nature to just hang your head, be a little depressed, especially when you think you should be on some 53-man roster in the league. But, ultimately, it's day to day, it's week to week. That's what Chip told me."

Matthews has had a much different road to this point. He's been on the Eagles roster since they drafted him in 2011, but he's gone from rookie starter to deep reserve and special teams contributor.

He was a reserve outside linebacker last year, but was moved back to his natural inside. He missed the one tackle in the fourth quarter, but said he handle the rest of his responsibilities after jumping in for Kendricks. Some fans thought he was to blame for Ahmad Bradshaw's 7-yard touchdown catch, but Matthews said he was a rusher on that play

"If you watched the film I was in position," Matthews said. "I obviously over-pursued one. That's football. It happens. People are talented in this league."

Smith, the Eagles' top draft pick, was active the first game, but didn't dress against the Colts. The coaches had him practicing with the inside linebackers this week to provide depth.

"Coach just told me for these next couple of weeks I could be playing inside," Smith said Thursday.

During the preseason, Smith had more success playing the run and dropping into coverage. But he generated little pressure as a pass rusher, and the Eagles have been employing strictly a three-man unit at outside linebacker with starters Connor Barwin and Trent Cole and Brandon Graham coming off the bench.

"The circumstances right now, we only have three healthy inside linebackers, so we have to get a fourth guy ready," Kelly said. "Marcus was the one guy on the outside we felt could contribute and swing back inside. He can cover tight end."

Aside from quarterbacks Blake Bortles and Teddy Bridgewater and injured wide receiver Odell Beckham, Smith is the only first-round draft pick to not play in the first two games. He said he was willing to play anywhere to finally make his debut.

"I'm just trying to just show the coaches that I'm willing to do anything to get on the field to show them I can play and I can be a contributor to the team," Smith said.

The Eagles also listed wide receiver Josh Huff (shoulder) as doubtful and offensive lineman Matt Tobin (ankle) and safety Earl Wolff (knee) as questionable. If Wolff can't go Sunday, Chris Maragos would be the third safety after starters Malcolm Jenkins and Nate Allen.