SEATTLE -- The Eagles caught a break before the game even began.

Two of Seattle's top defensive players - defensive end Patrick Kerney and middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu - did not suit up for Sunday's NFC battle between the Eagles and the Seahawks.

Kerney entered the game as the team's top pass rusher with 5.0 sacks this season. He missed the game with a shoulder injury. Tatupu has been a pain in the Eagles' side in the past. Last year, Tatupu picked off A.J. Feeley three times as the Eagles lost 28-24. The last interception came as the Eagles were driving to potentially take the lead late in the game. Tatupu is out with a groin injury. PHI vs. SEA 11-02-08

Darryl Tapp starts at left defensive end for Kerney with Lawrence Jackson on the right side. D.D. Lewis starts for Tatupu.

Injuries have not just hurt the Seahawks on defense. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is out with a back injury. Starting in his place is Seneca Wallace. Wide receiver Deion Branch is out with a heel injury. Bobby Engram starts at flanker with Koren Robinson in as the split end.

The Eagles have injury concerns of their own. Wide receiver Jason Avant was limited in practice with a trap injury and is out. Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews is out again with a back injury and tight end L.J. Smith is down with a concussion.

Also inactive for the Eagles are Feeley as the third quarterback, fullback Kyle Eckel, linebacker Joe Mays, guard Mike McGlynn and defensive end Bryan Smith.

For the Seahawks, the rest of the inactives are: kicker Brandon Coutu, guard Mansfield Wrotto, defensive tackle Howard Green and backup tight end Will Heller.