Eagles linebacker Zach Cunningham unlikely to play vs. the 49ers
Free-agent linebacker Shaq Leonard was scheduled to arrive in Philadelphia on Wednesday morning and visit with the Eagles.
Eagles linebacker Zach Cunningham is expected to be out this week, possibly longer, with a hamstring strain, an NFL source said.
Cunningham left in the second half of the Eagles’ overtime win over the Bills on Sunday and was replaced by Christian Elliss.
Free-agent linebacker Shaq Leonard, meanwhile, was scheduled to arrive in Philadelphia on Wednesday morning and visit with the Eagles. The team will work him out and give him a physical.
» READ MORE: Eagles’ Lane Johnson expects to be ready vs. 49ers after missing Bills game due to a groin issue
Leonard, who was recently released by the Colts, met with the Cowboys on Tuesday in Dallas. Even if he eventually signs with the Eagles, it’s unlikely he’d be ready to play Sunday against the 49ers.
That would suggest that Elliss starts alongside middle linebacker Nicholas Morrow. The Eagles have already lost Nakobe Dean (foot) and Shaun Bradley (Achilles tendon) to likely season-ending injuries.
Rookie Ben VanSumeren is another option. He has been promoted off the practice squad the last three games for special teams and would have to be signed to the 53-man roster if the Eagles have plans to call him up again.
» READ MORE: Eagles linebacker Ben VanSumeren ready to ‘keep going’ after making his NFL debut
The Eagles created a roster spot on Tuesday when they released cornerback Josiah Scott.
Brandon Smith is the only other off-ball linebacker on the Eagles’ practice squad.