No changes on the offensive line; Peters works out
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
No changes on the offensive line; Peters works out
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
As much as they struggled against the Lions -- and several linemen admitted as much -- the Eagles' starting offensive line remained as is when the team resumed practice on Monday after a week off, several players said.
Andy Reid was not scheduled to meet with the media on Monday.
Center Dallas Reynolds confirmed that he was still the starting center.
"As far as I know," Reynolds said. "Until they come and say otherwise, yeah."
The Eagles don't have many options after their starting five. Steve Vallos backs up Reynolds but he was not active for the last two games. Evan Mathis was the emergency backup center for both games, but he's still starting at left guard.
Danny Watkins has had his ups and downs throughout this season and increasingly has come under fire for his performance. He declined to answer questions when a reporter approached him because, he said, he read a few stories that he did not like.
The Eagles don't have a backup guard, per se, although Vallos and tackles King Dunlap and Dennis Kelly can play there. Some had expected to see Dunlap back at left tackle, but Demetress Bell will hold onto his spot it appeared. Todd Herremans was still at right tackle on Monday.
One thing has to change, however, if the 3-3 Eagles are to make a run to the playoffs.
"We got to get better," Reynolds said. "I think we're going to work hard and we're going to improve. It wasn't the best game for us up front in the Lions game."
While it remains a long shot, the Eagles are still holding out hope that Jason Peters could return late in the season or, if applicable, for the playoffs.
The all pro left tackle was seen working out on the practice field on Monday. Peters, who is on the Non-football Injury List after rupturing his Achilles tendon in March, was running half-speed through light agility drills.
The Eagles have until Week 9 to decide if they want to Peters to start practicing. They then have an additional three weeks to decide if they want to activate him or place him on season-ending Injured Reserve.
Watkins is way too nice to play in this league. Herremans is mediocre and way overrated.— auntesther- They're all gone after this 7-9 season. Peters was the key loss but there's enough other reasons to fire them all.— GreenWing
- I think Watkins still has a lot of upside. He needs to toughen up and take responsibility instead of not talking to reporters cause of bad stories, but he was first round for a reason. Not just Andy Reid's poor decisions, but everyone thought he was first round talent. Hopefully it will come, but for now Herremans is still really good, Mathis is consistent, Bell is progressing, Dunlap is decent, Reynolds is awful and Watkins has upside. So we'll see— Philsfan2012
- I think Watkins still has a lot of upside. He needs to toughen up and take responsibility instead of not talking to reporters cause of bad stories, but he was first round for a reason. Not just Andy Reid's poor decisions, but everyone thought he was first round talent. Hopefully it will come, but for now Herremans is still really good, Mathis is consistent, Bell is progressing, Dunlap is decent, Reynolds is awful and Watkins has upside. So we'll see— Philsfan2012
