Cornerback Lito Sheppard has a "pretty significant ankle sprain" and is not expected to return to the lineup Sunday when the Eagles play their home opener against the New York Giants, coach Andy Reid said today at his news conference."It's not a high ankle sprain," Reid said. "It's on the inside of his ankle and it's fairly significant."Sheppard suffered the injury Sunday on the opening series of the Eagles' 24-10 victory over the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. The fifth-year cornerback missed the final six games of last season after suffering a left ankle sprain that required surgery.This injury is to Sheppard's right ankle.With Sheppard sidelined, Rod Hood will move into the starting lineup Sunday against the Giants and Joselio Hanson will take over Hood's role as the nickel cornerback. The Eagles are expected to announce the signing of Dexter Wynn either later today or tomorrow."I've got a lot of confidence in Rod," Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson said. "He showed last year when Lito went down that he's a legit starter in this league and I expect him to just pick it up. He knows the system, he can be a very physical guy and he can run."Wynn, a sixth-round pick in 2004, spent the last two seasons with the team and was among the final cuts this year. He also has the ability to return punts and kicks. Sheppard was expected to handle punts Sunday before suffering his injury.Starting running back Brian Westbrook handled the punt return duties Sunday, but it's not an ideal situation because he is the focal point of the offense. Reid said that there's a chance Reno Mahe, who missed Sunday's game with a high ankle sprain, will be back against the Giants. Mahe is the Eagles' primary punt returner.Reid said middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter also suffered a sprained ankle against the Texans, but he finished the game and is expected to be ready Sunday against the Giants.
