Philadelphia left tackle Demetress Bell has big shoes to fill, in more ways than one.

He not only has to man a crucial spot for the Eagles, he also has to replace the game's best left tackle.

“I knew it would be a challenge when I signed with the Eagles and it’s still a challenge,’’ Bell said during a break in training camp. “But I embrace that challenge. I look forward to meeting it and beating it. That’s what this game is all about -- finding a way to bring out the best in yourself.’’

He's not as good as Jason Peters, the first-team All-Pro that Bell is replacing in the lineup.

Peters tore an Achilles tendon in the offseason and isn't expected to return this year.

When Peters went down, the Eagles quickly signed Bell.

“We lost a great player, but we expect the next guy to step up and play as good or even better,’’ offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said. “And sometimes that does happen, the ‘even better.’ We do know that our offensive line does have the opportunity to become one of the best offensive lines in this league together. That’s the important thing.”

Bell was Buffalo’s seventh-round draft pick in 2008 and in four seasons he started 30 games, including 16 in 2010 when he replaced, ironically, Peters, who had signed with the Eagles as a free agent.

And Bell appreciates that irony. In fact, he said Peters’ presence with the Eagles was a big reason he signed with them.

“Jason was like a big brother [in Buffalo],’’ Bell said. “As soon as I got there, he took me in and I hung on his coattails. I learned a lot from him, about how to prepare yourself and take care of yourself and get the most out of yourself. And now I'm ready to use everything he taught me.”

And that’s all the Eagles are asking of Bell. They know you can’t go to the local mini-mart and pick up a replacement for the best tackle in the league.

“We don’t expect him to be Jason Peters,’’ offensive line coach Howard Mudd said. “We just want him to be the best Demetress Bell he can be.”

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Philadelphia Eagles from blogger Kevin Noonan, follow@CBSSportsNFLPHI.