Eagles Notes: Herremans practices with torn biceps

Eagles offensive lineman Todd Herremans was a full participant in practice Wednesday despite a torn biceps. His left arm was wrapped with a brace and tape. Herremans will try to play Sunday against the Texans in Houston.

Herremans was unavailable for comment. Coach Chip Kelly, who has never had a player take the field with this injury, said the decision will be up to Herremans.

"A lot of it will be Todd's determination of what he can do and can't do," Kelly said. "A lot of it, we'll just sit down and visit with him at the end of the week and make a determination . . . From a guy like him, a veteran like him that understands himself . . . that has been through a lot, a lot of that is on him and our doctor staff."

Center Jason Kelce (sports hernia) also was a full participant and appears on track to start for the first time since Week 3. He said that Herremans was next to him with the first-team offensive line throughout practice.

Kelly said the primary backup will be determined later in the week. Andrew Gardner and Dennis Kelly are possibilities. Gardner played at guard when Herremans left the game for three plays last week. Gardner said he was taking more repetitions at the position this week in practice.

Eagles running back LeSean McCoy is unafraid to offer honest assessments about running backs around the league. McCoy sounds as if he has respect for Texans running back Arian Foster, a three-time Pro Bowler who is No. 2 in the NFL with 766 rushing yards.

"I've always liked Foster since day one," McCoy said. "He's a quick back, explosive, strong. . . . I know him, too."

Eagles defensive coordinator Bill Davis called Foster the "bell cow" for Houston's offense. The Eagles have the 21st-ranked rushing defense in the NFL, so stopping Foster will be a challenge.

"He's got great vision and a great understanding of running zone plays, whether it be the wide-zone play or the tight-zone play," Kelly said. "And then makes great decisions of sticking his foot in the ground and getting physical and getting up the field. He can run through arm tackles, but he's also a really good receiver coming out of the backfield."

Eagles safety Nate Allen and cornerback Brandon Boykin continued to miss practice. Both are recovering from hamstring injuries. Thursday's practice will be a major indicator of whether either can play Sunday. . . . Running back Darren Sproles (knee) was a full participant and appears ready to return. . . . Wide receiver Brad Smith returned to practice on a limited basis. Smith underwent abdominal surgery earlier this month.