Ngata questionable, Birds sign Hector to bolster D-line

PHILADELPHIA >> The Eagles signed defensive tackle Bruce Hector to the active roster Friday, a hint that veteran Haloti Ngata still isn’t all the

way back from a calf injury.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson wouldn’t rule Ngata out for the Carolina Panthers, who the Eagles oppose Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. There is uncertainty, nonetheless, with the health of Ngata, who

missed the last two games and was limited at practices this week.

“It just means it adds some depth at the tackle spot,” Pederson said. “Haloti is still day to day. Questionable. Progressing well. We’ll see where he’s at after today’s practice.”

Ngata was officially listed as questionable. Listed as out were linebackers D.J. Alexander (quadriceps) and Nate Gerry (ankle, knee), defensive backs Corey Graham (hamstring) and Sidney Jones (hamstring) and running back Darren Sproles (hamstring).

Offensive tackles Lane Johnson (ankle) and Jason Peters (biceps) were limited at practice Friday but not designated otherwise. Pederson expects them to play. Cornerback Rasul Douglas returned to practice after missing a couple of days for personal reasons and Jalen Mills (hamstring) was limited at practice.

Hector (6-2, 296) was one of two undrafted free agents to make the Eagles’ initial 53-man roster. He played 18 snaps in the first four games but didn’t register a tackle. He exited South Florida fourth on the all-time list with 18 sacks.

Ngata recorded six tackles in the first four games for the Eagles. The 34-year-old veteran was injured playing a season-high 37 snaps against the Titans. He contributed a season-high four tackles in that contest, including three solo stops according to the club.

The Eagles reached an injury settlement with tackle Destiny Vaeao, who started three games this season, including the two Ngata missed. They also signed Treyvon Hester (6-2, 300), who spent last season with the defense-less Oakland Raiders.

All-Pro Fletcher Cox is the other tackle on the Eagles’ roster.

Pederson said he “believes” Hestor could step in as the No. 2 defensive tackle if Ngata sits out again.

“He’s practiced well,” Pederson said. “He’s shown, even where he came from, that he can obviously play

the position. And the more reps he gets he can handle the work load. So, he’s definitely going to be asked to do a little bit more this week.”

The Eagles also can move defensive end Michael Bennett inside to tackle.

••• Twenty Eagles players pooled $200 each to try to win the $1 billion Mega Millions jackpot. On The Tax Foundation, the Pa. Lottery figures, they would pull down $16.99 million apiece after federal and state taxes if they take the cash payout.

••• At halftime of the Eagles-Panthers game, Brian Dawkins will receive his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring from HOF president and CEO David Baker.

Dawkins, the celebrated safety, made nine Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams in his career with the Eagles from 1996-2008.