Eagles are Healthier Team for Championship Game

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - The Minnesota Vikings ruled out defensive tackle Shamar Stephen for the NFC Championship Game.

Stephen is essentially the Vikings' version of Beau Allen, typically the third man in the defensive tackle rotation being Linval Joseph and Tom Johnson and a solid run defender.

Stephen injured his knee in the divisional round against the New Orleans Saints and will likely be replaced in the rotation by rookie fourth-round pick Jaleel Johnson, a better athlete but a raw player who hasn't played all that much as a rookie.

Minnesota also listed three players as questionable: second-team All-Pro receiver Adam Thielen (lower back), starting safety Andrew Sendejo (concussion) and cornerback Mackensie Alexander (rib).

Thielen practiced for a second straight day, however, after sitting out Wednesday and is expected to play. Sendejo, meanwhile, must pass the league's concussion protocol and Alexander tends to mix in as a nickel back with veteran Terence Newman.

The only Eagles player listed on the injury report is middle linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, who was listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. He was able to practice on Thursday and Friday, however, and is expected to play.

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973espn.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen