NFL: Jordan Mailata activated but sits out Philadelphia Eagles' clash with Dallas Cowboys

The Philadelphia Eagles have refused to debut Australian giant Jordan Mailata again despite injuries decimating their NFL team and fans demanding he play.

The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 27-20 on Sunday in Philadelphia to damage their hopes of repeating as Super Bowl champions.

The Eagles activated Mailata for the second time of his rookie season after veteran offensive tackle Lane Johnson was ruled out with a knee sprain.

Their other veteran tackle, Jason Peters, played but has struggled with multiple leg and arm injuries.

The Eagles have also suffered injuries at running back and cornerback.

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson, however, opted to leave the inexperienced former South Sydney rugby league junior on the sideline.

The 203cm tall, 157kg Mailata had never played a game of American football at any level until four months ago in the Eagles' pre-season and Pederson views him as a long-term project.

Eagles fans took to social media during the game demanding the team not only play him at offensive tackle but use his huge frame as a running back when the team was just yards from a touchdown or a first down.

The Eagles' Australian punter Cameron Johnston also had a quiet game with just two punts, dropping both inside the 20-yard line for an average of 44 yards.

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott was the match-winner when he scored a touchdown with three minutes to go to give the Cowboys the 27-20 win.

The Eagles' hopes of successive Super Bowl titles have ben dented, with the Washington Redskins jumping to a two-win lead in the NFC East.

With a four-win, five-loss record, the Eagles sit equal second in the division with the Cowboys.