A team source said the decision was made after a recent magnetic resonance imaging examination revealed some "irregularities" in Andrews' surgically repaired back. The source said the Eagles consulted multiple physicians, including the surgeon who operated on Andrews last year, and decided there was little chance the two-time Pro Bowler would be able to play again this season.

"It's disappointing to lose any player for the entire season, but we have full confidence in the other linemen we have on this roster to help this team succeed," coach Andy Reid said in a statement. "We wish Shawn all the best as he recovers and rehabilitates from this injury."

The team source said the Eagles had concerns about Andrews' long-term future, and that's understandable. Andrews will have played just two games in two seasons because of a back injury that required surgery last season and did not heal well enough for him to get on the field this season.

Andrews' agent, Rich Moran, declined comment yesterday, and attempts to reach Andrews were unsuccessful. Andrews did offer some stream-of-consciousness tweets from his Twitter account – ShawnAndrews73 - pertaining to his situation.

He thanked Reid for his support, writing "BIG RED.. I love you man."

A sampling of the other things he tweeted:

"They will get over it, but I am the one who has the lifetime of pain, but this is the life I chose"

"Doing evrything [sic] I can to get back healthy"

"Lord willing this is not the end.."

"Some people will never understand.. I hope the negative people never go through what I am. . ."

"Man, I am blessed. I wont [sic] complain. I'm sorta in my feelings right now cause me & bro talked up playing together for YEARS. . ."

"Thanks man. I am catching sooooo much flak, but hey GOD has my back (literally).. I can't even bend over to play w/ my son right"

Andrews' trip to the injured-reserve list means that Winston Justice will remain the Eagles' right tackle when the team plays the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in the home opener at Lincoln Financial Field.

The Eagles were so impressed with Justice's performance in the season opener at Charlotte that a team source said they did not feel the need to re-sign free agent Jon Runyan, who was at the NovaCare Complex last week for a workout in front of Reid, general manager Tom Heckert and offensive-line coach Juan Castillo.

Runyan has also had workouts with Kansas City and Buffalo, but he remains unsigned.

Andrews, the 2004 first-round pick, missed most of training camp last year while battling depression, but he returned in time to start the season. His season ended, however, after just two games when he suffered a severe back injury in Week 2 at Dallas.

After Andrews visited several back specialists, Robert Watkins performed surgery last October, and Andrews started an extensive rehabilitation program. He made it through the team's spring camps without any problems and was excited about moving to right tackle as well as playing alongside his older brother Stacy, who signed with the team as a free agent during the off-season.

Andrews' back pain flared up again, however, during the team's conditioning-test run at the start of training camp. After sitting out a month and revisiting Watkins for two pain injections in Southern California, Andrews returned to practice Aug. 29 and again appeared to be on track to start the season.

But after practice a week ago today, Andrews again had back pain, and it was decided Friday he would not play in the opener against the Panthers. And now you have to wonder if or when he'll play again.

Contact staff writer Bob Brookover at 215-854-2577 or bbrookover@phillynews.com.