PHILADELPHIA — After arthroscopic elbow surgery, Eagles veteran Jason Kelce is in an uphill fight to maintain his league and franchise-best streak of 122 straight starts at center this season.
Head coach Nick Sirianni indicated that one way or the other, Kelce is going to have to play through elbow pain this season.
“We were in a situation where he had some discomfort in there,” Sirianni said Wednesday. “And we had time to handle that so he could play this season. You know he’s going to have to go through things throughout the season. It’s something the doctors and Jason and myself, felt comfortable to get it cleaned out and be ready for the long haul ahead. Jason Kelce’s the toughest guy I’ve ever been around – by far. So, I’m glad we’re able to do that so he can play with less pain.”
Rookie second-round pick Cam Jurgens of Nebraska is the heir apparent to Kelce and continued taking snaps with the first team Wednesday.
“There’s only one Jason Kelce,” Sirianni said. “But there have been times out there that he’s doing something and I’m like that kind of looked liked Jason, right? Cams done a nice job of picking things up.”
The 34-year-old Kelce is the second-oldest Eagles player, a few months younger than Brandon Graham. Though the optimistic forecast is for him to return for the Sept. 11 opener at Detroit, and everyone lives happily ever after in this, his 12th season with the Birds, the reality is that’s a lot easier said than done.
“How many, 122 games in a row, he’s played?” Sirianni said. “If he’s close, the track record says that he’ll be ready to go. But I’ll never put a timetable on it.”
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Sirianni anticipates getting his starters on the field in the Eagles’ first and only preseason home date Friday with the New York Jets.
In the previous preseason, quarterback Jalen Hurts played eight snaps.
“We’re thinking one or two series with the starters,” Sirianni said.
That said, don’t expect to see wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who missed another practice with a groin issue or a long list of walking wounded.
Offensive tackles Jordan Mailata and Andre Dillard are limited at practice as they recover from concussions.
Sidelined and not practicing are running backs Kenneth Gainwell (hip) and Boston Scott (concussion), offensive lineman Le’Raven Clark (hamstring), defensive backs Anthony Harris (tooth), Jacquiski Tartt (personal), Jimmy Moreland (ankle) and Kary Vincent (groin), wide receivers John Hightower (groin), Greg Ward (toe) and Keric Wheatfall (hamstring) and tight end Grant Calcaterra (hamstring).
Source: Berkshire mont
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