Eagles Notes: Shurmur: Eagles comfortable with McCoy or Sproles

When offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur was asked about the decision to run Darren Sproles instead of LeSean McCoy on the final offensive drive against the Rams, Shurmur said the coaches "don't care who's in the game."

"We have what we consider to be two dynamic starting running backs," Shurmur said Tuesday. "So when we're constantly answering these questions, as we've been the last couple of days, it's a nonissue to us, and it really doesn't matter."

After McCoy carried the ball twice, Eagles running backs coach Duce Staley sent Sproles onto the field for four consecutive plays.

Shurmur said there are a number of factors that go into which running back is on the field, from whether a rusher is tired to what a coach sees. And because the coaches' stance is they are comfortable with both players, Shurmur said they do not make as big of a deal about which one gets a carry as reporters and fans do.

"Last week we were talking about, 'Let's get Darren in there,' " Shurmur said. "Now what we're saying is, 'We want him in there a lot, but not in what's considered critical situations?' So from our standpoint, we're happy to answer the questions, but it's not a big issue for us."

The Eagles were missing their top two inside linebackers at practice. DeMeco Ryans did not practice because of a groin injury. Mychal Kendricks wore a helmet during the stretching period, but Ryans said Kendricks again missed practice because of the calf injury that has sidelined him for three games.

Ryans is optimistic that he will play Sunday against the New York Giants.

"I feel pretty good, progressing pretty good the past couple of days," Ryans said. "I expect to play. . . . We'll see how I feel."

Running back Chris Polk (hamstring) and wide receiver Brad Smith (unknown injury) also did not practice. The Eagles do not release an injury report on Tuesdays.

Linebacker Brandon Hepburn was re-signed to the practice squad. He was released last week.

Quarterback Nick Foles said the offense is "moving in the right direction." He admitted he must be more precise but would not identify what the issues are with his deep passes. He simply said it needs more work and that the Eagles cannot abandon those plays.

"You can't be afraid to throw the deep ball," Foles said. "I've always liked throwing the deep ball. [If] you play quarterback, you love launching the ball - you love letting it loose. You can't let [not being good at it to start the season] get you away from it."