Eagles Move Forward With Revamped Offensive Line
By Ed Benkin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Jason Kelce needs sports hernia surgery. Evan Mathis will be out for at least another six weeks. Lane Johnson is still serving his suspension.
But the games go on.
The Eagles will have a new look on their offensive line on Sunday when they face the 49ers. With three of their top lineman out, the team continues to reshuffle it's offensive line. Tuesday's practice featured David Molk at center, Matt Tobin and Dennis Kelly at guard, and Todd Herremans switching from guard to tackle. Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur is confident the new look-like will be ready.
"We're going to train all of the guys and get them ready to play," said Shurmur. "We will put five lineman out there on Sunday. Everybody who is out here practicing and training put themselves in position to be, number one, active and number two, a starter."
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The biggest concern for many Eagles fans is the loss of Kelce. However, Molk played well when he stepped in for Kelce on Sunday, and Nick Foles isn't worried about any issues at center.
"We just have to play like we always have," Foles said. "Jason Kelce is amazing and he's really a rock on that O-line, but I know Molk is going to do an amazing job. He's resilient. He's going to go in there and do his job. I count on him. He's learned from Jason."
No matter who lines up in front of Foles, the quarterback knows his offensive linemen will protect him when things get nasty. Last week, Jason Peters came to the aid of Foles when he was given a hard hit in the win over Washington.
"It was a reaction thing," said Foles. "I wouldn't want to have anyone else out there. He reacted and he had my back. I'll support Jason Peters forever. I'll have his back."
Foles and the rest of the Eagles are hoping things will be less chippy on Sunday. Shurmur knows his new line will be tested against the talented San Francisco defense.
"I see a front very similar to the one we just played," Shurmur said. "They like to play base. There's five on the line, and inside, Justin Smith can wreck a game if you don't block him well."
Linebacker Mychal Kenrdricks was once again held out of practice because of a calf injury.
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