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PHILADELPHIA — There wasn’t a celebration when the Eagles found out Friday that Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks was listed as doubtful for the game Sunday because of a knee and ankle injury.
Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha scoffed at the notion that Nicks wouldn’t play despite the injury report.
“That’s happened so many times,” he said. “We’ll see.”
The Giants still have a dangerous set of receivers, and Eli Manning leads the NFL in passing yards.
The Eagles still will have to deal with Victor Cruz, the breakout star from last season, who often operates in the slot. The Eagles struggled with that last week whenever Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald lined up there, often against rookie Brandon Boykin.
The Eagles are expecting that the Giants will try to get that matchup with Cruz as well.
“That’s what they do,” Eagles coach Andy Reid said. “They do that against everybody and we understand that. He’s one of the best slot receivers in the league, so you honor that and you get yourself ready to play against that.”
Boykin said he’ll be ready. He said Cruz presents a different challenge than Fitzgerald because he isn’t as big or as strong.
“I know it’ll be a task for me to go against him,” Boykin said. “They’re totally different players. (Cruz) is more of a quicker, shiftier player who’s going to use his speed to get open whereas Fitzgerald is just a great route runner. He uses his body and strength. Even though you might have (Fitzgerald) covered, they’ll throw it up to him and he’ll make the play.
“Technique will be a big key for us this week, making sure we don’t get out of position.”
• Jordan, Dunlap ruled out: Reid said linebacker Akeem Jordan won’t play after suffering a hamstring injury last week, and left tackle King Dunlap will sit out for a second straight game with a hamstring injury.
Reid said it’s 50-50 that long snapper Jon Dorenbos, who has a high-ankle sprain, will play. The Eagles have until 4 p.m. today to make a roster move if Dorenbos can’t play. That would mean signing long snapper Kyle Nelson off the practice squad and releasing a player.
“I’ve just got to see,” Reid said. “He practiced (Friday), moved around pretty good, actually, so I’m surprised that he was able to get himself back.”
Jamar Chaney will start at weak side linebacker in place of Jordan, and Demetress Bell will start again in place of Dunlap.
• Wing tips: Dorenbos, WR Riley Cooper (collarbone) and S Colt Anderson (knee) are listed as questionable. Cooper was a full participant in practice, however. … WR Jeremy Maclin (hip) and RB LeSean McCoy (rib) are among those listed as probable.