In a surprise, rookie running back Dion Lewis, the fifth-round pick who has served as the kickoff returner and had seemingly surpassed Ronnie Brown as the No. 2 running back, is inactive for the first time in his young career.
UPDATE: According to reports, Lewis was in a minor car accident Sunday morning. He is unharmed, but head coach Andy Reid reportedly wanted to rest Lewis because he was a bit shaken up.
Brown will regain his role as the No. 2 running back, but it is yet unclear as to who will serve as the primary kickoff returner. Brown has limited experience, as do cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.
UPDATE: According to the Eagles, Brown is expected to handle kickoff return duties. Brown has never returned kickoffs in a regular season before. In 2007, he returned three kickoffs in the preseason for an average of 26.0 yards per return, with a long of 29. We talked with Brown about a potential role as a kickoff returner back in August.
Joining Lewis on the list of inactives are cornerback Curtis Marsh, safety Jarrad Page, linebacker Keenan Clayton, offensive lineman Julian Vandervelde, offensive lineman Winston Justice and defensive end Phillip Hunt.
Hunt had been active for the past four games, but with Trent Cole returning to the lineup and the defensive line healthy after the bye week, his role would have been limited.
