Penny Inactive

Rashaad Penny, who averages more than 6 yards per carry in his career, is inactive for the Eagles on Sunday.

Rookie corner Kelee Ringo, who was inconsistent at camp, is active.

What gives?

The Eagles, who play the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in the season opener starting at 4:30 p.m., need depth at certain areas.

They’ll have three running backs active in D’Andre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott, who also returns kicks. That enabled them to activate six of their seven defensive tackles and five corners.

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles RB Rashaad Penny is inactive vs. Patriots.

Ringo, one of the five corners, was a gunner throughout the preseason and is likely to assume that role against the Patriots, which is why he’s active over Mario Goodrich and Eli Ricks, who are inactive.

Also inactive against the Patriots are QB Tanner McKee – who can be the emergency QB – OL Tyler Steen, DT Moro Ojomo and TE Albert Okwuegbunam.

Steen and Ojomo are both rookies at positions where the Eagles have depth. On the O-line, the Eagles have Sua Opeta, who can play both guard spots, along with Jack Driscoll, who can play right guard and right tackle. At left tackle, Fred Johnson is the backup.

Okwuegbunam, a former Broncos tight end, was acquired at the roster cutdown date and is still integrating into the offense.

The Eagles have six defensive tackles active and four safeties, but just three off-ball linebackers. On Saturday, they elevated punter Arryn Siposs from the practice squad, along with wide receiver/punt returner Britain Covey.

– Geoff Mosher (@geoffmoshernfl) is co-host of the “Inside the Birds” podcast and staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.

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