The Eagles are set to make a notable change up front as they head into their first game without Landon Dickerson.
According to ESPN, Philadelphia is planning to move Cam Jurgens to guard and start second-year lineman Drew Kendall at center, a switch that breaks from the usual approach under former offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. The team reportedly spent the week keeping the move under wraps for competitive advantage.
Kendall, a fifth-round pick from Boston College last year, played center in college, so the role fits him naturally. Still, most of his work in training camp came at guard, and he also stepped in at left guard when Dickerson got a couple of rest days.
Jurgens has been the Eagles’ center for the past two seasons and made the Pro Bowl both times. He also has NFL experience at guard, having played right guard in 2023 after what was essentially a redshirt season in 2022. Even with that versatility, the change is a little surprising because Jurgens has built a strong connection with Jalen Hurts, and Hurts appeared during the week to suggest he had been taking snaps only from Jurgens.
Philadelphia will need the line to be sharp on Sunday, especially with Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons standing out as Tennessee’s best player. The Titans have struggled overall, but Simmons remains the kind of force the Eagles have to account for.
Dickerson’s absence is the result of the knee injury that sent him to IR early last week. He struggled in the opener, calling himself a “liability,” and is hoping to come back after missing a month, though the injury could end up keeping him out longer.
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