The Philadelphia Eagles have some question marks on the offensive line after losing another lineman to a season-ending injury on Sunday.
In the second quarter of Sunday's 24-17 victory over the New York Jets, Eagles starting right guard Andrew Gardner suffered a season-ending foot injury. He was officially placed on the injured reserve Tuesday morning. The Eagles welcomed back Julian Vandervelde to fill the open roster spot.
Gardner joins David Molk as the second offensive lineman to be placed on the Eagles injured reserve. Molk suffered a torn right bicep injury in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur declared that Matt Tobin would get the first shot to start at right guard. Tobin and Gardner competed for the starting right guard position during the preseason, and Gardner ultimately won the job.
Shurmur said that Tobin did a good job in replace of Gardner on Sunday. Tobin has played in 17 games, including seven starts, since signing with the Eagles as an undrafted rookie in 2013.
Shurmur is also confident that Dennis Kelly is a formidable option if his number is called upon. Head coach Chip Kelly raved about 2012 fifth-round pick during the preseason, saying that he had the best training camp of his career.
Shurmur described the differences in their games.
"Dennis is a bigger guy," Shurmur said. "Tobin's got good quickness. He does a good job of getting to the second level. I would say Dennis might be a bit firmer at the line of scrimmage. They're both really good players."
This offseason, The Eagles released both of their starting guards from the 2014 season. Todd Herremans signed with the Indianapolis Colts, and Evan Mathis eventually signed with the Denver Broncos. Mathis starts for the Broncos, and Herremans was recently benched by the Colts.
Michael Malia is a contributing intern for Eagledlephia. Follow him on Facebook (Michael Malia) or Twitter @Michael_Malia.
