The Eagles have had to put their reserve offensive linemen to good use this season thanks to injuries and a suspension to right tackle Lane Johnson and it seems they decided they wanted to have a different option available for their next dip into the backup ranks.
The team announced on Tuesday that they have brought back Julian Vandervelde and released Wade Smith.
Vandervelde was waived-injured in August as the Eagles got down to 53 players. He had back surgery earlier this year, but it seems the team believes he’s ready to return to action should circumstances require they turn in his direction. Vandervelde knows the offense, obviously, and gives the team an option behind David Molk while they wait for Jason Kelce’s return.
Smith played in five games for the Eagles this year, but the longtime Texan never started a game after Kelce and guard Evan Mathis were knocked out of the lineup.