Both the Eagles and the Patriots have significant injury situations for this 4:15 p.m. game, and the Patriots' announced on Saturday night that four players have been downgraded from a "questionable" designation to an "out" designation.
The players: S Patrick Chung, OL Dan Connolly, CB Devin McCourty and WR Chad Ochocinco.
So what does it mean? Let's examine the role each have had for New England this season ...
- Chung hasn't played since November 6, so Sterling Moore will start his third straight game. Moore is a rookie who originally signed with Oakland and then joined the Patriots after a stint on the Raiders' practice squad.
- Connelly started 9 of 10 games, five at center. He was the starter on Monday night in the win over Kansas City. He was injured during the game and was replaced by third-year man Ryan Wendell.
- McCourty is New England's top cornerback -- even with Kyle Arrington atop the NFL list with 7 interceptions -- and he will sit out his second consecutive game. Antwuan Molden started on Monday night against Kansas City and is in line to start again. Note: The Patriots used wide receiver Julian Edelman as a fourth cornerback against the Chiefs.
- Wide receiver Ochocinco suffered a hamstring injury during the week and didn't practice on Thursday or Friday. He has not been much of a factor as New England's passing game relies upon wide receivers Wes Welker and Deion Branch, as well as tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
