Head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder announced on Monday afternoon that an MRI exam showed that center Jason Kelce suffered a partial ACL tear and a full tear of the MCL in his right knee during the third quarter of Sunday's win over Baltimore.
As severe as the injury is, Kelce's return later this season has not been ruled out.
The Eagles want to learn more about the knee and team physician Dr. Peter DeLuca will perform a diagnostic arthroscopy on Tuesday morning. Burkholder said that once the MCL heals, which is a four-to-six week process, the Eagles could brace the knee and Kelce could play despite the partial ACL tear. If the Eagles deem the best course of action is to surgically repair the ACL, then Kelce's season will be over.
Burkholder and DeLuca spent Monday morning speaking with other team physicians to compare similar cases. Burkholder said that there is no consensus on a recovery gameplan, explaining that "it's a mixed bag" with some players having the ACL surgically repaired and others playing with the brace.
In the meantime, head coach Andy Reid said that Dallas Reynolds will be the starting center in Kelce's absence. According to Reid, Reynolds played "good, solid football" against the Ravens and handled all of the same responsibilities that Kelce had.
Reid did not say whether a roster move to add depth to the offensive line was imminent. He added that the Eagles could place Kelce on Injured Reserve with the tag that he would be designated to return. A new rule in 2012, a team can place one player each season on Injured Reserve and he can return to practice in six weeks and be placed back on the active roster eight weeks from the time he was put on Injured Reserve.
OTHER EAGLES ON THE MEND
- Offensive tackle King Dunlap is day-to-day with a hamstring strain, according to Reid. He is not expected to practice on Wednesday. However, Reid said that if Dunlap can play Sunday at Arizona he will remain the starter despite high praise for Demetress Bell's performance against the Ravens.
- Safety Nate Allen has a shoulder contusion.
- Safety Colt Anderson hyperextended his knee, not the one that was surgically repaired in 2011.
- Wide receiver Jason Avant has the wrist injury that he initially suffered against Cleveland.
- Defensive end Jason Babin has a slight abdominal strain, but should be fine.
- Wide receiver DeSean Jackson entered the Ravens game with the hamstring spasm. He made it through the game fine, but was a little sore on Monday, per Reid.
- Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin has a hip contusion on top of his previous hip injury. Reid said that he's sore and will struggle to practice on Wednesday.
- Guard Evan Mathis has a neck contusion.
- Wide receiver Riley Cooper is recovering from the collarbone injury. He will not be a full participant in practice this week. He will practice in a limited capacity.
- Cornerback Curtis Marsh is making progress with the hamstring strain he suffered against the Browns.
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