Can’t live with him, can’t live without him.

That sums up the Eagles relationship with cornerback Lito Sheppard.

Unhappy getting kicked out of the starting lineup and steaming from accusations he’s fragile, Sheppard has tested the patience of the Eagles much of the season. And he’s at it again.

Sheppard’s exit Sunday after straining his groin in the first quarter against the Seahawks is a real concern as it eliminated use of the dime package the rest of the afternoon.

With the Giants on deck – and for all practical purposes a playoff berth at
stake - the Eagles need Sheppard more than ever.

Without him they would be at a tactical disadvantage matching up with Plaxico Burress in multiple receiver sets and simultaneously defending Eli Manning’s handoffs to 260-pound power back Brandon Jacobs, which are hazardous to the health of nickel alignments.