Though the Eagles would never admit that they’re concerned about their offensive line, actions usually speak more loudly than words.
The Eagles have moved left guard Todd Herremans to right tackle, sending King Dunlap to second string and creating further concern regarding the status of Winston Justice, who remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list after offseason knee surgery.
Herremans will be working next to rookie Danny Watkins, the starting right guard.
Evan Mathis now takes over as the first-string left guard.
Before the move was announced via the team’s website, coach Andy Reid spoke to the media, but said nothing about Herremans’ new gig, which takes on added importance given that starting quarterback Mike Vick is, unlike Inigo Montoya, left-handed.
Reid did address Justice’s status. Without really saying anything.
“He’s not all the way back yet, he’s close, and so I don’t want to do anything where we have setbacks,” Reid said of Justice. “When he comes back I want to make sure that he can come back and practice and not have any setbacks; an extra day or two or three will help him out I think.
“Listen, I would just tell you kind of the same thing as these other guys, I mean we’ll have to take it day by day. I don’t know how he’s going to do when he comes back in. I’m hoping for the best, but we’ll see how things work out.”
The decision to move to right tackle a guy who was a Pro Bowl alternate at left guard suggests that things aren’t working out well.
Then again, no one really needs to say that. In this regard, the images of Mike Vick constantly running for his life say it all.