Secret to Pack attack? Aaron Rodgers, of course

PHILADELPHIA >> Cornerback Leodis McKelvin is back in the Eagles’ lineup, a mild concussion behind him, the Green Bay Packers in front.

Never a fellow to beat around the bush, McKelvin was blunt when asked what made Jordy Nelson so tough in the red zone, besides size.

“Aaron Rodgers,” McKelvin. “That’s it right there.”

Asked to elaborate, the veteran shrugged. And not out of disrespect to Nelson or any of the Packers’ capable receivers, although some blogger almost certainly will convey McKelvin’s quotes out of context. Rather, it’s a respect thing for Rodgers.

“When you have a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady or anybody like that, you don’t really need anybody really that exciting,” McKelvin said. “You just need somebody running routes, doing what they need to do, with enough speed. The quarterback is everything. That’s why most teams try to go get that quarterback.”

McKelvin expects to be ready to roll Monday night at the Linc.

Ditto running back Darren Sproles, who says he’s played with a cracked rib before, just not with the identical injury he has now.

McKelvin participated fully in practice Friday. Sproles was limited although he anticipates being cleared to play his usual role as a running back and punt returner.

Defensive end Connor Barwin (bone bruise) practiced fully.

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The Eagles (5-5) are four-point favorites over the Packers (46), who have lost eight of their last nine regular-season starts against the Birds in Philly.

With a 4-0 record at the Linc, the Eagles are among three teams undefeated at home this season. The Texans (5-0) and Seahawks (5-0) are the others.

MARK TENALLY — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS When Eagles cornerback Leodis McKelvin was asked what makes any one of the Green Bay receivers tough to cover, the answer was simple: Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12).