Eagles can still be effective despite losing Jason Peters

The Eagles will use their “next man up” approach to offset the loss of Jason Peters.

There was a glimmer of hope that Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jason Peters would receive good news this morning. Many people within the Eagles organization were hoping that the worst case scenario for Peters would only be a torn MCL, rather than a torn ACL. Despite the MCL tear, there was a chance that he could return this season.

Unfortunately, the Eagles did not receive the news they wanted to hear on Tuesday morning. According to NFL.com Insider Ian Rapoport, Peters’ MRI showed results of a torn MCL and a torn ACL. Which became the worst case scenario for the veteran left tackle.

The Diagnosis:

What does this mean for Peters?

Not only is this a season ending injury for Peters, but it could be the end of his career. Peters has suffered his fair share of brutal injuries throughout his time in the NFL. He tore his Achilles Tendon during an offseason workout back in 2012. Recovering from a torn ACL and MCL is a very tall order for a 35-year-old veteran to come back from. Maybe Peters can rehab and return for unfinished business? Who knows? If this is the end for the for the potential Pro Football Hall of Famer, what a bummer!

Next man up!

Fortunately for the Eagles, they do have two contingency plans. The first option is to plug in second-year tackle Halaapoulivaati Vaitai into the starting left tackle spot. Vaitai got some valuable reps last season playing in seven games. He really started to come into his own prior to a season-ending MCL sprain injury. The man known as “Big V” faired pretty well in the absence of Peters. It’s important to note that he was dreadful in his first ever start against the Washington Redskins in Week 5 of 2016. By overcoming his demons against a familiar foe, it could serve as a confidence booster going forward.

The other option is flipping Lane Johnson over to left tackle. When Johnson was taken with the fourth pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Eagles figured they found their long-term blindside protector. He has thrived at right tackle while waiting for the eventual switch. Johnson could finally make the long-awaited move to the left side. He is very similar to Peters in terms of athleticism which is key for a left tackle. Plus, Vaitai has more experience at right tackle than he does at left tackle as well.

Related Story: Jason Peters continued to be a leader while being carted off

Whoever the Eagles decide to plug in at left tackle, they have two solid options that can overcome the loss of a great player in Peters. It seems as though, that the Eagles have embraced the “next man up” mentality. That will be the case in replacing the greatest offensive lineman in Philadelphia Eagles history.