Eagles Inactives: Bradley Fletcher Out vs. Packers

The Eagles declared cornerback Bradley Fletcher inactive for Sunday's week 10 game at Green Bay with a pectoral injury.

The news is a bit of a surprise, he practiced on a limited basis most of the week this week, but was back at practice on Friday.  Losing Fletcher means Philadelphia will be facing Green Bay without its starting cornerback.  It's a significant loss for the Eagles. Not only will they not have their top outside corner in Fletcher, but they'll have to move top slot corner Brandon Boykin out of his comfort zone from the slot to the outside.

That means for the second time this season, Boykin will play in place of Fletcher, Boykin has started six games for Philadelphia in his two seasons. Boykin, a third-round draft pick had some moments this season, but has done most of his work playing in the slot, he does have two interceptions and seven passes defended this season - but one thing you can be sure of, Senaca Wallace will be looking his way in the passing game.

The Packers will also be missing their starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers but are getting back linebackers Clay Matthews Jr. and Nick Perry back for the game. It's Matthews' first game since fracturing his thumb in week five and subsequently undergoing surgery. He'll wear a club on his right hand. Matthews had three sacks, two forced fumbles and three tackles for a loss in the four games prior to his injury.

Senaca Walalce will start in place of Rodgers, which is obviously a huge downgrade.  Wallace went 11-of-19 for 114 yards with no touchdowns and one interception filling in for Rodgers on Monday night.  Packers coach Mike McCarthy suggested a lack of practice time contributed to Seneca Wallace's poor relief performance Monday night.

Eagles inactives: CB Bradley Fletcher, QB Vick, RB Matt Tucker, LB Jake Knott, G Matt Tobin, T Dennis Kelly and WR B.J. Cunningham.

The Packers inactives: QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Chris Harper, CB James Nixon, LB Andy Mulumba, T Derek Sherrod, DE Josh Boyd and DE C.J. Wilson.

Reaction:

Losing Fletcher is a huge blow to the Eagles defense, the last time he missed a game vs. San Diego the Eagles really struggled to get-off-the-field on third down.  The Eagles defense is playing very well the past five weeks, giving up 21-or-less in each game, we'll see how the Packers attack the Eagles defense without Fletcher.

The Packers are obviously at a huge disadvantage without maybe the best player in teh league - Aaron Rodgers.  However, getting Matthews back could be a huge boost to a Packers defense that struggled against the Bears on Monday night.

The Eagles defense has been playing very well, they seem to be more comfortable playing away from Lincoln Finical field and it will be a big test to see how Nick Foles will play today after his seven touchdown performance vs. the Raiders.

The Pick:  Eagles, 28, Packers 17