While the Philadelphia Eagles are loaded with talent at running back and wide receiver, they still need to protect quarterback Jalen Hurts.
After all, they won’t be able to execute a play if he doesn’t have enough time.
Upgrading at the skill positions would be worthless if Hurts cannot connect with them.
That’s why they also invest in the offensive line with the likes of Jason Kelce, Lane Johnson, and Jordan Mailata.
But besides those players, Andre Dillard is also one of the guys who could protect their quarterback.
Unfortunately, he will have to start the season on the sidelines.
The #Eagles had plenty of chances to trade their former first-rounder Andre Dillard, both earlier this offseason and this week. They held onto him for the great depth he provides. Now, on the shelf to start the season. https://t.co/4jfdA42stt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 1, 2022
NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport tweeted, “The #Eagles had plenty of chances to trade their former first-rounder Andre Dillard, both earlier this offseason and this week. They held onto him for the great depth he provides. Now, on the shelf to start the season.”
He quoted his colleague, Mike Garafolo, who said, “#Eagles T Andre Dillard suffered a nondisplaced fracture in his forearm in practice today, sources say. Further testing is needed to determine the best course of action and timeline for a return, but the expectation is Dillard will be available for a majority of the season.”
It’s great news that Dillard will eventually be available in 2022 because he will be a vital piece to their campaign.
Dillard’s NFL Career, So Far
After five seasons at Washington State, the Eagles made him the 22nd overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft.
The franchise liked him because of his skill set, which made him First-Team All-Pac 12 in 2018.
He played all 16 games during his rookie season and started four of them.
The year after, he was supposed to be the starting left tackle.
Unfortunately, torn biceps forced him to miss the season.
The Eagles also declined Dillard’s fifth-year option, making him a free agent after 2022.
NEXT: NFL Insider Reveals The Chauncey Gardner-Johnson Trade Details
