According to report by Howard Eskin of CBS Philly, Philadelphia Eagles starting left tackle Jason Peters didn't play in a Week 10 loss to the Miami Dolphins because he didn't want to be a backup.
As Eskin notes in an interview on the 94WIP Morning Show, head coach Chip Kelly told Peters to suit up for the game, but the seven-time Pro Bowl tackle had no intentions of being an active reserve.
"He was going to dress, but I think Chip Kelly wanted to give me a little bit more rest—which I don’t think he should have," Eskin explained on Tuesday morning. "If he dresses you gotta be able to play, but that’s another story. And he was gonna dress and be available because they’re thin on the offensive line, if anything happens. When Peters was told, ‘Listen you’re gonna dress,’ by Chip Kelly he told him, ‘But I’m gonna use you as a backup.’
"He says, ‘If I’m not starting, I’m not dressing.’ And that was the end of that story."
Peters hasn't played since suffering back spasms in the first quarter of a Week 7 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Lane Johnson made the start at left tackle and Dennis Kelly started at right tackle for a second straight game.
The Eagles offensive line played solid against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9, but they certainly could have used Peters on Sunday, as they were manhandled by the defensive line of the Dolphins. According to Brandon Lee Gowton, Johnson allowed four hits on an Eagles quarterback, and Kelly allowed two sacks against Miami. They also gained a measly 2.3 yards per carry on 36 rushing attempts.
Michael Malia is a contributing intern for Eagledelphia. Follow him on Facebook (Michael Malia) or Twitter @Michael_Malia.
