WEDNESDAY, 8:05am: The Eagles have officially announced that they’ve activated Mathis and placed Herremans on IR (Twitter link).
TUESDAY, 7:54pm: The Eagles saw a familiar face return to their offensive on Sunday, as center Jason Kelce saw game action for the first time since Week 3 following a groin injury. But just when Philadelphia seemed to be stabilizing its front five, which was one of the best in the league last season, health concerns struck again. Guard Todd Herremans, who had been attempting to play through a biceps injury, will have season-ending injury to correct the ailment, writes Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. He’ll be placed on injured reserve shortly, and the club will activate offensive lineman Evan Mathis from injured reserve/designated to return to fill his roster spot.
Herremans, 32, has been with the Eagles for the entirety of his 10-year career. He’s been something of a jack-of-all-trades during his time in Philadelphia, as he’s seen time at every position along the offensive line save for center. He’s settled in at right guard over the past two seasons, though he did play some right tackle while Lane Johnson was suspended to start the year. Herremans, who’s started 124 games during his time in Philly, hasn’t played well this season, and given that he’ll count $5.2MM against the cap in 2015, it’s not a guarantee that he’ll return next year.
Though the loss of Herremans could sting, the return of Mathis, one of the best guards in the league, is an unquestioned boon to a struggling Eagles front five. The 33-year-old Mathis graded as the No.1 guard in football during each of his first three years in Philadelphia, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He’s a strong asset in the run game, and with backup quarterback Mark Sanchez leading the team following Nick Foles‘ injury, the Eagles could look to feature LeSean McCoy even more than usual.
Second-year offensive lineman Matt Tobin, who had been filling in for Mathis at left guard, will slide over to RG in place of Herremans. Herremans’ season-ending injury ensures the Eagles starting offensive line of Jason Peters, Mathis, Kelce, Herremans, and Johnson won’t play one full game together in 2014.