Veteran offensive lineman Reggie Wells hasn't started a game at tackle since the 2006 season, but that could potentially change in the weeks ahead.
The Eagles re-signed Wells on Saturday. Wells was originally acquired by the Eagles in a trade from the Arizona Cardinals for a late-round pick just prior to the start of last season. Wells played in eight games for the Eagles in 2010 which included one start at the left guard position. With no clear cut starter at the right tackle position, head coach Andy Reid wanted to add some more competition there.
"I'd really like to see him take some snaps at the right tackle spot and continue the competition there. He started there for a couple years before they moved him to guard at Arizona. So he has done it, it's just a matter of him kind of getting back into the swing (of things)," Reid said. "He came this morning at 7 o'clock, he took the red eye in and then we threw him out there just to kind of get his feet under him right now."
Wells said that most of his snaps in Saturday's 10-10-10 practice were at guard, but he is open to playing any position.
"Being on the field is my preference," Wells said. "I've made it this long by being versatile and being a guy who is open to learn new positions or different positions."
Last year's starter at right tackle, Winston Justice, remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to an offseason knee procedure. King Dunlap started at right tackle in Thursday's preseason game against the Steelers and received good reviews from Reid. Dunlap will continue to get the first-team reps at right tackle, Reid said.
During training camp, Fenuki Tupou, Austin Howard, Evan Mathis and Ryan Harris have all received reps at right tackle. Tupou and Harris, who was the starter in the preseason opener, missed the Steelers game due to injury, but Harris returned to practice on Saturday.
Even though Wells wasn't a regular in the lineup last year, Reid said that having Wells with the team in 2010 gives him some comfort if he is needed to step up. The most noticeable different for Wells is that Juan Castillo was the offensive line coach last year. Now, it's a new scheme with Howard Mudd.
"There are some opportunities and he has a pretty good feel of the offense," Reid said. "He has to kind of brush up on it real quick and brush up on the tackle spot, but it gives him a little better of an opportunity to compete in there."
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