Injury Notes: Replacing Andrew Gardner


Photo Credit: Jeff Fusco

Photo Credit: Jeff Fusco

With Andrew Gardner out for the season with a foot injury, the Eagles must go to the reserves for answers at right guard. Pat Shurmur said that both Matt Tobin and Dennis Kelly would work in there, with Tobin getting the first crack at it today.

“Dennis is a bigger guy. Tobin’s got good quickness,” said Shurmur when asked to compare the two. “He does a good job of getting to the second level. Dennis is maybe just a little firmer at the line of scrimmage, but they’re both very good guards.”

Tobin entered the game when Gardner exited against the Jets. Given that he will be running with the first team today as well, he seems like the favorite to get the nod Sunday in Washington.

Other injury news:

Jason Peters was without a helmet as practice started, though he was participating in warmups. He left the Jets game late after “getting rolled up on.”

Riley Cooper and Chris Maragos (knee) sat out practice.

Billy Davis provided some injury updates on defense. He said the team is hopeful to have Mychal Kendricks (hamstring) back this week, but was less certain about Cedric Thornton (hand) and Taylor Hart (shoulder).

DeMarco Murray (hamstring) and Josh Huff (hamstring) both participated in the beginning of practice after missing Sunday’s game.

Eric Rowe got some snaps because of the Maragos injury and performed well. Davis indicated that Rowe will get more snaps going forward.

“It was what we needed to see from Eric, under fire, under fire of a regular Sunday, he rises up and makes some plays he was asked to. And he did that,” said Davis. “There’s still a learning curve. Jordan Hicks and Eric both played nice games, but we know there will be some stumbles along the way as we grow them, but he’ll get more opportunities.”

Speaking of Hicks, Davis said the plan is to continue with a linebacker rotation if Kendricks is back. As for Kiko Alonso, the defensive coordinator said his situation remains “up in the air.”