Emmanuel Acho waived/injured with a thumb injury

The Eagles waived/injured linebacker Emmanuel Acho with a thumb injury that required surgery, according to a league source. The move was not yet official, but Acho's locker was cleaned out Thursday.

Acho, 24, spent parts of the last two seasons with the Eagles. He started two games in 2014 and played 23 percent of the defensive snaps.

Acho was in competition for a backup-linebacker job. He even added some outside-linebacker responsibilities to help his chances.

The Eagles are expected to keep Mychal Kendricks, DeMeco Ryans, Kiko Alonso, and Jordan Hicks. They're also likely to keep Brad Jones, who can play inside and outside. Acho and Najee Goode were both trying to force the coaches to find another roster spot for an inside linebacker, with special teams being a big part of that decision.

Wide receiver Josh Huff returned to the team after missing two days while mourning the death of Anthony Joyce, whom Huff refers to as a "god-brother."

Huff said his mind "wasn't there" on the practice field Thursday. He did not know whether he would play Saturday against the Packers.

"It's difficult, but at the same time, this is a sanctuary for most of us, this is where we go for our problems to go away," Huff said. "Basically, it's a place where I can go to block out all the negative and problems in my life."

Chip Kelly spoke with Dean Blandino, the NFL's vice president of officiating, on Tuesday about Terrell Suggs' hit on Sam Bradford last week. Kelly said he would learn more in the league's officiating video this week. . . . Linebacker DeMeco Ryans expects to play Saturday. . . . Kelly does not expect Darren Sproles to return punts during the preseason.