Eagles OLB Mychal Kendricks played just 19 defensive snaps in Sunday's opener against the Browns, and Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that his role doesn't appear likely to grow any time soon. Philly played its nickel package on defense more than its "base" defense, which keeps MLB Jordan Hicks and OLB Nigel Bradham on the field as the 2 LBs (with Kendricks leaving for an extra DB). "As good an athlete as Mychal is, it's just unfortunate that we have to take one guy off," coach Doug Pederson said. "Right now . . . he's the odd man out and he ends up coming off the field." No Eagles coach has spoken publicly of any dissatisfaction with Kendricks' play or attitude, but he was on the field for the 4th quarter of the 3rd preseason game and started the 4th -- territory, in both cases, that NFL starters usually avoid. Kendricks lost 2 weeks to a hamstring injury in August, which might have helped slot him behind Bradham for nickel duties. But Bradham played under DC Jim Schwartz in Buffalo 2 years ago and might need to screw up significantly or get hurt to give Kendricks an opportunity. You can drop Kendricks for a more trustworthy LB in most redraft IDP leagues.
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