Some might say this was inevitable, but at least until last week we were trying to hold out hope that two time pro bowler Shawn Andrews would be able to play this year. He missed almost all of last year with a combination of depression and back troubles, the latter of which he had surgery to correct. The back troubles continued this summer and held him out of training camp and the entire preseason. In the final week or so of camp, Andrews received medial clearance to begin light practice and spoke about how much better his back felt... but then of course it tightened up, the pain returned, and he was ruled out of last weeks' game.
Now, he's been ruled out for the rest of the season.
So much for waiting around to see when Shawn Andrews is healthy enough to play. The Eagles placed Andrews on Injured Reserve, ending his 2009 season. It also likely raises question marks about Andrews and his future in the game.
When even the Eagles' website is questioning the likelihood of a guy playing again, you know it's serious. It seems now that Andrews' career may very well go the way of Corey Simon, who was another supremely talented player that could never overcome chronic injuries and other issues.
More after the jump.
The need to make some sort of roster move was due to the signing of Jeff Garcia. To add Garcia to the 53 man roster, the Eagles had to make room. Rather than trade or cut someone, they decided to put Andrews on IR rather than keep hoping that his back will magically feel better as he takes up a roster spot.
This of course means that Winston Justice will remain as the starting RT for the remainder of the year. Currently, there is no backup listed at the position. Eventually, the Eagles are probably going to have to part ways with a WR if they plan to bring in another tackle. As of this moment, Mike McGlynn is probably the backup RT which is the position he played in college.