| King Dunlap is excited to be back as the Eagles' starting left tackle. (US Presswire) |
King Dunlap’s roller coaster season hit another high point when he returned to the starting lineup at left tackle for Wednesday’s practice.
Dunlap went into training camp as the No. 2 LT, but then he was promoted over Demetress Bell and started the first two games. Dunlap strained a hamstring in the Week 2 victory over Baltimore, so Bell won the job back by default, and played well enough to keep the job for the next four games, even though Dunlap was healthy enough to suit up and practice for the last two.
But Bell and the rest of the offensive line struggled in their pre-bye week loss to Detroit two weeks ago and the Eagles made two moves during their break -- they brought Dunlap back and they released center Steve Vallos and signed center Matt Tennant to back up starter Dallas Reynolds and maybe take his job eventually.
Dunlap was unavailable for comment on Wednesday, but Bell said he’s determined to win the starting job back again.
“King is healthy now and he’s a good player and the coaches made the decision to go with him,’’ Bell said. “But I’m still confident in my ability and I’m going to continue to work hard and be ready in case I’m called on again.”
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Philadelphia Eagles from blogger Kevin Noonan, follow @CBSEagles.
Dunlap went into training camp as the No. 2 LT, but then he was promoted over Demetress Bell and started the first two games. Dunlap strained a hamstring in the Week 2 victory over Baltimore, so Bell won the job back by default, and played well enough to keep the job for the next four games, even though Dunlap was healthy enough to suit up and practice for the last two.
But Bell and the rest of the offensive line struggled in their pre-bye week loss to Detroit two weeks ago and the Eagles made two moves during their break -- they brought Dunlap back and they released center Steve Vallos and signed center Matt Tennant to back up starter Dallas Reynolds and maybe take his job eventually.
Dunlap was unavailable for comment on Wednesday, but Bell said he’s determined to win the starting job back again.
“King is healthy now and he’s a good player and the coaches made the decision to go with him,’’ Bell said. “But I’m still confident in my ability and I’m going to continue to work hard and be ready in case I’m called on again.”
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Philadelphia Eagles from blogger Kevin Noonan, follow @CBSEagles.