PHILADELPHIA -- Shawn Andrews won't play with his brother this season.
The Philadelphia Eagles placed Andrews on injured reserve Tuesday, ending the two-time Pro Bowl lineman's season. Andrews missed the entire preseason and season opener with a back injury. He briefly returned to practice, but his surgically repaired back flared up again.
"It's disappointing to lose any player for the entire season, but we have full confidence in the other lineman we have on this roster to help this team succeed," coach Andy Reid said. "We wish Shawn all the best as he recovers and rehabilitates from this injury."
Quarterback Jeff Garcia took Andrews' spot on the roster. Garcia was signed to provide insurance because Donovan McNabb has a cracked rib and is uncertain to play this week.
Philadelphia revamped its offensive line in the offseason, replacing longtime bookend tackles Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan. The Eagles signed Andrews' brother, Stacy Andrews, and acquired his college roommate, Jason Peters. They were counting on Andrews moving from right guard to anchor the right tackle spot.
Winston Justice replaced him in the starting lineup. Runyan remains unsigned and worked out with the team last week.
The eccentric Andrews missed all of training camp in 2008 with depression. He returned for the season opener, but went down in Week 2 with a herniated disc.
Andrews practiced early last week in preparation for Philadelphia's game against Carolina. He called himself a "beast" and seemed excited about trying to block Julius Peppers. But Andrews tweaked his back Wednesday, sat out the next two days and couldn't play.
Critics have questioned Andrews' passion for football and wondered whether he's more interested in a music career. Andrews, who sports a faux-hawk haircut that's sometimes blonde or orange or red, loves to sing. He has posted various YouTube videos where he talks about his latest musical compositions. Andrews wrote a song, "Gettin' My Michael Phelps On," which he dedicated to the Olympic champion.
"I've had a longer passion for music, ever since third grade," Andrews said last month. "Football came along, and that's still a passion, as well. I love football. Football is my job, what I do to take care of my family. At the same time, I can't do this forever, so why not do the music thing as well? Football is No. 1 right now."
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
