It's official: 'Big V'' will get his first start for Eagles against Redskins

Eagles right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai surveyed the rows of television cameras and reporters by his locker with amazement.

"It is different, I am not used to it and I am not used to the cameras all over me," the rookie said on the day he was announced as the team's new starter. He will replace Lane Johnson, who is beginning his 10-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Then, taking a deep breath, Vaitai added, "I have to get used to it now."

He sure does.

He has never appeared in an NFL game, but Vaitai was the center of attention Wednesday because coach Doug Pederson said he would start Sunday when the Eagles (3-1) visit the Washington Redskins (3-2).

Known as "Big V" for obvious reasons, the 6-foot-6, 315-pounder was inactive for the first four Eagles games.

"He's worked extremely hard," Pederson said of the fifth-round pick out of Texas Christian. "He's another one of those kids that's gone against our defensive front, not only through training camp but in practice every single day.

"Smart kid, athletic kid, strong kid," he added. "Just excited to watch him play on Sunday."

Probably not nearly as excited as Vaitai, who was two-time second-team all-Big 12 performer at TCU. When asked if he would have pregame butterflies, Vaitai, responded, "I am already feeling it, but I need to go out there."

Vaitai will have big shoes to fill.

"Lane has been playing out of his mind," center Jason Kelce said. "He has been playing really good football this year, so it's a shame. Having said that, I think we have really good depth."

There had been speculation that the Eagles would move left guard Allen Barbre to right tackle and plug in a veteran such as Stefen Wisniewski at guard, but Pederson felt this move gave the team more stability.

"We didn't want to disrupt two positions," Pederson said. "So that's why I made the decision with Big V, to keep Allen over there with J.P. [left tackle Jason Peters]."

Barbre says he is happy to remain at left guard, where he has started the first four games. "Most definitely," he said, "but whatever is best for the team, really."

Vaitai will be playing alongside right guard Brandon Brooks, who says the important thing is not to clutter the rookie's head with too much advice.

"You don't want to constantly be on his back, talking to him, but if he needs help, I am here to help him out," Brooks said.

Vaitai said the veterans have been a huge help as he prepares for his first NFL game. Most of all, he hopes to take advantage of his opportunity.

"It is unfortunate for Lane, but it's life," Vaitai said. "You have to be the next man to stand up, next man up."

Extra points

Three Eagles did not practice: defensive end Bryan Braman (shoulder), defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (ankle) and cornerback Leodis McKelvin (hamstring). Pederson said he expects all three to be available Sunday. … Carson Wentz said he has put his game-ending interception in the 24-23 loss at Detroit behind him. "Obviously, I wish I would have made a little better throw, could have made a little better read," Wentz said. "Honestly, it is one of those things we talked about it Monday and Tuesday and now it is past us and we are focused on Washington and I really don't want to dwell on that."