Washington Redskins strong safety Brandon Meriweather, limited all summer because of his knee and lately by a groin injury, won't play Monday night against Philadelphia. Meriweather was among the Redskins' seven inactives for the season opener versus Philadelphia.

It's not a big surprise considering Meriweather was limited in practice all week. And, because he's struggled to stay healthy, he's not a player the Redskins want to rush back. Veteran Reed Doughty will start in his place. Doughty gives the Redskins a knowledgable player who tackles well in the box.

But the Redskins are more limited in coverage with Doughty. Last year in Meriweather's one game, for example, the Redskins ran a corner blitz with Josh Wilson that they had not run in previous games. It was done because of Meriweather's speed and ability to rotate onto receiver DeSean Jackson.

The other inactives: Rex Grossman, Pat White, Evan Royster, Jose Gumbs, Josh LeRibeus and Chris Neild.

Again, there are no real surprises here. LeRibeus is third among their backup lineman after a poor spring and inconsistent summer. Adam Gettis can play both guard spots, even though he's only played right guard in games. Neild is the No. 1 backup at nose tackle but with the Redskins expected to play a lot of nickel packages tonight, there's not much need for a backup nose. If starter Barry Cofield was injured, then Chris Baker could play nose.

Royster is more of an insurance policy and might not be active unless either Alfred Morris or Roy Helu aren't going to play that game. Chris Thompson can be worked into various packages and likely will return the ball Monday.

Philadelphia's inactives: quarterback Matt Barkley, cornerback Shaun Prater, offensive lineman Dennis Kelly, offensive lineman Matt Tobin, tight end Emil Igwenagu and defensive lineman Vinny Curry. The Eagles only needed to have six inactive because they had an open spot on the roster after releasing Brandon Hughes. Curry's inclusion on this list was a bit of a surprise.