BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Philadelphia Eagles' entire defensive line watched Thursday's practice from the sideline at Lehigh University.
Defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins missed the workout after suffering a strained hamstring a day earlier. He joined defensive ends Jason Babin (strained calf) and Trent Cole (strained shoulder), and defensive tackle Mike Patterson (offseason brain surgery) on the team's injury list.
"Right now, the D-line meetings are in the training room," Jenkins said with a smile Thursday.
Some of the offensive line meetings were likely held there Thursday also.
Guard Evan Mathis sat out both the walkthrough and full practice with a stomach virus. He was soon joined by tackle Todd Herremans, who walked into the locker room Thursday afternoon with a strained right shoulder.
As a result, the offensive and defensive lines featured some unlikely starters during the scrimmages.
Darryl Tapp and Brandon Graham were the first-team defensive ends. Rookie Fletcher Cox and Derek Landri were the defensive tackles.
On offense, rookie Dennis Kelly replaced Herremans at right tackle while former practice squad member Dallas Reynolds took Mathis' spot at left guard.
"That was a fun experience," said Kelly, a fifth-round draft pick from Purdue. "With Todd being hurt, I just tried to do my best to make sure there was no dropoff. Getting that experience with the starters was a big confidence boost for me. It was nice to see that the coaches have faith in me and I wanted to make sure I didn't let them down."
The injury list grew larger Thursday afternoon, when Reid put the team through a two-hour workout under a blazing sun. Free safety Nate Allen and running back LeSean McCoy both left with heat-related cramps. Safety O.J. Atogwe (strained groin), linebacker Jamar Chaney (strained hamstring) and wide receiver Jamel Hamler (strained hamstring) also left early.
