Injuries along the offensive line cost the Philadelphia Eagles dearly last season.
Center Jason Kelce (who suffered a torn medial collateral ligament and partially torn anterior cruciate ligament) and tackles Todd Herremans (dislocated foot) and Jason Peters (Achilles tendon) couldn't go the distance for the Eagles in 2012, and, in some cases, they're still hurting.
"Not all healed up yet, I'm in the process of it," Kelce told PhillyMag.com on Thursday night. "Right now, I'm at five months post-surgery, six months post-injury. Right now, we're hoping I'll be able to do some things in this first minicamp, but even that is more me trying to press them to let me do stuff."
Kelce said he's able to lift weights but added he's probably a month or more away from being cleared for football activity.
The news on Herremans is brighter. He expects to be ready for offseason work after playing just eight games last season. Herremans said Peters -- who ruptured his Achilles tendon twice last offseason -- also plans to make his return.
"I talked to Jason, he's just as excited as I am -- probably more so," Herremans said. "He is cleared and said he is ready to rock. Sitting out from football for a whole year kind of makes you realize how much you miss it, and I know he is itching to get back."
The bigger question is how new coach Chip Kelly will mix and match his linemen in the Eagles' fast-paced offense. If this trio regains full health, Kelly has a much better chance of moving the ball than former coach Andy Reid did a season ago.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
