:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67305212/1197984220.jpg.0.jpg)
Philadelphia Eagles starting left tackle Andre Dillard is set to miss the entire 2020 NFL season after suffering a biceps injury during Thursday’s training camp practice, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo.
We described how Dillard’s injury occurred in today’s practice notes:
Dillard held his hand/arm in pain after going up against Josh Sweat in 1-on-1. Dillard was squatting and kneeling for a bit off to the side as trainers examined him. Dillard left the field and did not return to practice. Concerning that he’s been banged up throughout camp. He previously left practice early on Sunday. During a recent BGN Radio podcast, my co-host Jimmy Kempski also said Dillard was spotted on crutches at one point before camp started. So ... he might be dealing with more than one injury? [UPDATE: Derrick Gunn notes that Dillard suffered a biceps injury in addition to a shoulder strain he was dealing with.]
Dillard wasn’t having the best camp prior to getting hurt. He still has much to prove when it comes to being a long-term answer at left tackle. And he unfortunately won’t get a chance to do as much this season.
With Dillard hurt, the Eagles will likely slide Jason Peters back to his natural left tackle position. Peters has been lining up at right guard in training camp with Brandon Brooks suffering a season-ending injury back in June. Matt Pryor figures to be the man filling in for Brooks now with Peters moving back outside to replace Dillard’s vacancy.
Given concerns about Dillard’s performance, Peters at left tackle and Pryor at right guard might actually be the Eagles’ best offensive line combination in the short-term. But Peters is also likely to get nicked up at some point and it’s not perfectly clear who would replace him if that happens. The Eagles have been giving first team reps to Jordan Mailata in practice but the Aussie is far from a sure-fire option.
There are real concerns about the state of the Eagles’ offensive line heading into this season.