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| The loss of tackle Todd Herremans, potentially for the rest of the season, is the last thing the struggling Eagles need now. (US Presswire) |
Another week, another lost offensive lineman. It’s not official yet, but it appears Philadelphia Eagles tackle Todd Herremans will be sidelined for an extended period of time and perhaps the rest of the season.
If that’s true, then Herremans would be the fourth Eagles starting offensive linemen to miss games this year because of an injury, and three of them have been season-ending ones.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,’’ said guard Evan Mathis, the sole survivor. “We’ve had some pretty bad luck on the offensive line. If that’s true [that Herremans is out for the year], then I’m the only guy left standing.”
That patchwork line was torn apart on Monday night when Herremans went down late in the first quarter and the Eagles lost to the New Orleans Saints 28-13, with Eagles quarterback Michael Vick getting sacked seven times.
“It doesn’t matter who’s in there, we have to protect Mike a lot better than that,’’ Mathis said. “When Mike has the time he’s one of the best in the league and we have to find a way to get him that time.”
The Eagles’ problems on the offensive line began in the off-season, when All-Pro left tackle Jason Peters tore an Achilles tendon while working out and was eventually replaced by King Dunlap. In Week 3, center Jason Kelce went down with a knee injury that ended his season and he was replaced by Dallas Reynold. More recently, right guard Danny Watkins missed the last two games with a sprained ankle (replaced by rookie Dennis Kelly) and it’s uncertain when he’ll return. And then Herremans went down on Monday night (replaced by veteran Demetress Bell).
“I’ve never played behind a line where we’ve had so many guys out,’’ Vick said. “But it’s part of the game and now those other guys have to step up to the plate.”
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Philadelphia Eagles from blogger Kevin Noonan, follow @CBSEagles.
If that’s true, then Herremans would be the fourth Eagles starting offensive linemen to miss games this year because of an injury, and three of them have been season-ending ones.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,’’ said guard Evan Mathis, the sole survivor. “We’ve had some pretty bad luck on the offensive line. If that’s true [that Herremans is out for the year], then I’m the only guy left standing.”
That patchwork line was torn apart on Monday night when Herremans went down late in the first quarter and the Eagles lost to the New Orleans Saints 28-13, with Eagles quarterback Michael Vick getting sacked seven times.
“It doesn’t matter who’s in there, we have to protect Mike a lot better than that,’’ Mathis said. “When Mike has the time he’s one of the best in the league and we have to find a way to get him that time.”
The Eagles’ problems on the offensive line began in the off-season, when All-Pro left tackle Jason Peters tore an Achilles tendon while working out and was eventually replaced by King Dunlap. In Week 3, center Jason Kelce went down with a knee injury that ended his season and he was replaced by Dallas Reynold. More recently, right guard Danny Watkins missed the last two games with a sprained ankle (replaced by rookie Dennis Kelly) and it’s uncertain when he’ll return. And then Herremans went down on Monday night (replaced by veteran Demetress Bell).
“I’ve never played behind a line where we’ve had so many guys out,’’ Vick said. “But it’s part of the game and now those other guys have to step up to the plate.”
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Philadelphia Eagles from blogger Kevin Noonan, follow @CBSEagles.
