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Eagles center Jason Kelce needs surgery for sports hernia

UPDATE: Eagles head coach Chip Kelly confirmed during his press conference on Monday afternoon that center Jason Kelce will need surgery for a sports hernia injury.

"I don't know how long [Kelce] will be out," Kelly added.

From earlier: Eagles center Jason Kelce has a sports hernia injury and will likely need surgery, according to NFL sources.

Kelce will undergo further evaluation, but surgery of some form is expected. He could miss up to two months or more, but additional tests will help determine the length of absence for the leader of the Eagles offensive line. Backup David Molk jumped in for Kelce in the Eagles' 37-34 win over the Redskins on Sunday.

The Eagles' offensive line has been battered. Right tackle Allen Barbre, who was filling in for the suspended Lane Johnson, suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the opener. Left guard Evan Mathis has a MCL sprain and is on Injured-Reserve-designated to return and won't be available until Week 10. Reserve lineman Matt Tobin has been battling a high ankle sprain, but could be ready next week.

By the end of Sunday's game, after left tackle Jason Peters was ejected, the Eagles' line was, left from right: Andrew Gardner, Wade Smith, Molk, Dennis Kelly and Todd Herremans. Herremans was the only regular and he was moved from right guard to right tackle.

The Eagles may want to sign another lineman although Smith has experience at center and could backup Molk.

Kelce has been the unquestioned leader on the line. He calls out all the protections and is one of the most athletic centers in the NFL. Molk will handle blocking calls, as well, but there will be a drop off.