PHILADELPHIA -- After missing three games in a row with a foot injury, New York Giants middle linebacker Jon Beason is back in uniform and starting Sunday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Also active for the Giants is defensive end Robert Ayers, who missed practice Friday with a neck injury and was listed as questionable on the week's final injury report. Ayers has been a valuable part of the pass rush as a defensive end who can move inside and play defensive tackle on passing downs.
It remains to be seen how much either player can contribute, and it's possible Beason will have to share time at middle linebacker with Philadelphia native Jameel McClain due to the injury. But the fact Beason is healthy enough to play is a positive sign and can only help a Giants defense that will have its hands full with dangerous Philadelphia running backs LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles.
Running back Rashad Jennings (knee) and linebacker Spencer Paysinger (hamstring) are inactive as expected. Rookie Andre Williams starts at running back in place of Jennings. Paysinger is a bench player whose absence will be felt mainly on special teams.
The Eagles had two starting inside linebackers whose status for the game was in question. One of them, DeMeco Ryans, is active. The other, Mychal Kendricks, is not. Kendricks' absence and Ryans' injury could open things up in the middle of the field for the Giants' short passing game.
Cornerback Jayron Hosley also is active for the Giants for the first time this season. Hosley missed the first four games of the season on a drug suspension and was still occupying an extra inactive roster spot in Week 5 on a roster exemption.
The full list of inactives:
GIANTS
RB Rashad Jennings
LB Spencer Paysinger
OL Adam Snyder
DE Kerry Wynn
OL James Brewer
DT Jay Bromley
EAGLES
QB Matt Barkley
WR Brad Smith
RB Chris Polk
OL Dennis Kelly
DE Taylor Hart
