Eagles Notes: Three inside linebackers sit out again

The Eagles will continue to wait to show how they will handle the three-man inside-linebacker combination of Kiko Alonso, DeMeco Ryans, and Mychal Kendricks. All three missed the Eagles' 40-17 win on Saturday. They also sat out the preseason opener.

They each practiced this past week, although they were partial participants. Alonso returned on Tuesday from a concussion that sidelined him almost two weeks. Ryans is still recovering from a torn Achilles tendon last year, and Kendricks has been dealing with a hamstring injury, according to a league source. All three linebackers were active for the game and warmed up with the team, but they were not in uniform when the game started.

"If this was a game and this counted and this was the regular season, all three of these guys would have played," coach Chip Kelly said.

The Eagles used a rotation to replace the absent trio. Emmanuel Acho and Jordan Hicks started, with Najee Goode and Deontae Skinner taking the second drive.

The Eagles' top players usually don't see the field in the fourth preseason game. If that remains the case, then next Saturday's game against the Green Bay Packers will be the last chance to play the three linebackers before the regular season.

Wide receiver Riley Cooper left during the first drive with a thumb injury. X-rays were negative, but the team kept Cooper out for precautionary reasons.

Cooper was the intended target on Sam Bradford's first pass. He was injured one play later.

Seyi Ajirotutu replaced Cooper. Bradford targeted Ajirotutu on a deep pass on the opening drive, but it was incomplete.

Marcus Smith and Zach Ertz were the only players inactive. Smith is out with a hamstring injury, and Ertz is sidelined with a groin injury. . . . Andrew Gardner started at right guard for the second consecutive week. He is likely to win the starting job. . . .Receiver Miles Austin was not in uniform. Kelly said he is healthy, but the coach decided to hold him out. . . . Wideout Rasheed Bailey left with a shoulder injury. X-rays were negative. . . . The Eagles officially waived the injured Earl Wolff. Wolff had knee surgery Thursday. If he clears waivers, he will revert to injured reserve or the Eagles could reach an injury settlement with him.

- Zach Berman