The Eagles stayed relatively injury-free in 2013. Following Week 1, they wouldn't be able to avoid the injuries.
Two offensive linemen suffered injuries on Sunday, most notably all-pro guard Evan Mathis. Mathis was placed on injured reserve with designation to return on Tuesday. Mathis is not able to practice for six weeks and will not see game actions for eight weeks.
In wake of the news, the Eagles had offensive linemen Eric Winston and Wade Smith make visits on Tuesday. By the end of the day, they had signed Smith.
Smith is a 6'4", 295-pound offensive tackle who was a free agent after playing for Houston last season. The 12-year veteran was a pro bowler in 2012 and has made 98 career starts.
The move for Smith is two-fold. With Mathis out for at least eight weeks and tackle Allen Barbre's season in jeopardy with surgery as a likely option, Smith can fill in instantly until Lane Johnson returns in three more weeks and fill the void until Mathis is able to play.
The signing also gives the Eagles depth until Matt Tobin returns from injury. Tobin and Barbre have ankle injuries. Mathis suffered an MCL injury.
In a further injury update, Barbre was placed on season-ending injured reserves along with linebacker Najee Goode. As their replacements, tackle Kevin Graf and linebacker Emmanuel Acho were signed off practice squad.
Kevin Durso is a contributor for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Twitter @KDursoPhilsNet.
