Eagles Begin Playoff Prep

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - The Eagles don't have to play this weekend but did begin on-field preparations for their upcoming divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field on Jan. 13.

The Eagles will be facing one of three NFC South teams in the second-round of the playoffs. If Atlanta upsets Los Angeles, the Falcons will be earmarked for South Philadelphia but if the Rams win that game the winner between Carolina and New Orleans gets Doug Pederson's team.

With the opponent still to be determined the Eagles are using their bye week in sort of a self-scouting way while also having the coaching staff take a cursory dive into each of the potential three opponents. Game planning, however, will not begin until next week when the matchup is locked in.

On Wednesday, three starters were held out of practice: defensive end Brandon Graham (ankle), left tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai (knee) and running back Jay Ajayi (ankle).

Both Vaitai and Ajayi were in the practice bubble watching, an indication their injuries were not all that serious. Vaitai was wearing a long black sleeve on his knee while Ajayi was playing catch before individual drills began.

Graham, however, was not at the session as he deals with an ankle sprain suffered in Week 16 against Oakland..

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