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Eagles Notes: Concussion keeps LeSean McCoy on sideline

Birds safety Kurt Coleman bruised his chest during Sunday's 38-33 loss to the Cowboys. (DAVID MAIALETTI / Staff)

GALLERY: Birds safety Kurt Coleman bruised his chest during Sunday's… (DAVID MAIALETTI…)

By Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted: December 05, 2012

Eagles running back LeSean McCoy is in the third phase of a five-step concussion recovery process that has already sidelined him for two games. He has progressed since last Friday, when McCoy was in the second stage, but he is still not able to return to the field.

Trainer Rick Burkholder said last week that McCoy still displayed concussion symptoms, specifically fatigue. Coach Andy Reid said Monday that McCoy was still undergoing testing.

Bryce Brown has starred in McCoy's absence. Despite costly fumbles, Brown's skills have made him a likely part of the offense even when McCoy returns.

Brown ran for 169 yards and two touchdowns Sunday, giving him 347 yards and four scores as McCoy's replacement. That's the second-most yards ever by an Eagles running back in a two-game span.

Coleman ailing

The Eagles said safety Kurt Coleman suffered a cartilage bruise in the sternum and rib area. Reid labeled him day-to-day. Coleman's availability could help determine whether Reid makes changes in the Eagles' struggling secondary.

"I'm looking closely at that, making sure we have the right people in there to do a better job these last four games," Reid said.

When asked specifically about safety David Sims and cornerback Curtis Marsh as options on Sunday, Reid did not sound enthused.

"I'm in the position where I've got to make that judgment, and I've got to weigh it out, who I think puts us in a better position," Reid said Sunday. "I'm looking at those things. I made the decision to play the guys who have played because I think they're the best ones to play right now."

Eagles add lineman

The Eagles finalized their 53-man roster by signing offensive lineman Matt Kopa from New England's practice squad.

Kopa, 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, spent the last two seasons with the Patriots' practice squad. He was previously on the 49ers' practice squad and the Dolphins' active roster. Kopa went to Stanford and switched from defensive line to offensive line during his junior year.

The Eagles have nine offensive linemen on the roster. Kopa joins Nate Menkin as a developmental tackle.

Contact Zach Berman at zberman@phillynews.com. Follow on Twitter @ZBerm.