Runyan could be starting his 10th season with the Eagles.


With the status of Shawn Andrews under question, the Philadelphia Eagles may be prepping for a return by 13-year veteran Jon Runyan.

Andrews, slated as the starting right tackle next to brother Stacy, has yet to see the practice field even with the rehab guys, much less strapping on the pads. He continues to work solely inside the facility on treadmills and the like. Unfortunately, his back is the problem yet again.

Andrews has been an injury concern since day one, and it has really stunted his growth as a player in this league. Although when he's healthy, he's earned Pro Bowl honors and recognition around the league as one of the best linemen in the game.

Runyan is a guy who has not missed a single game since taking over the starting spot in 1997 with the then-Tennessee Oilers. He's extremely reliable, and a fine tackle. He's gone under the radar during his career, which has led to many Pro Bowl snubs, but from an objective standpoint I honestly believe he's a Hall of Fame tackle.

He's also a familiar face for a team that is undergoing an overhaul on the offensive line, and now an overhaul on defense as well. With Stewart Bradley, Brian Dawkins, and Jim Johnson all gone from this defense, a familiar face would serve them well, even if that face is on offense.

When asked about Shawn's timetable to come back to practice Reid answered, "I don't (have one). He is getting better though, that I can tell you. I've just got to see how it goes here day by day, but he is making progress."

"He is making progress" is an oft-used phrase by Reid to really say that a guy may be getting better, but I can't or won't delve into specifics, which is fine.

Reid wasn't much more specific in his answer regarding the possible return of Jon Runyan.

"I know where he's at," Reid told the media on Sunday. "I saw him at the funeral service for [former defensive coordinator] Jim [Johnson] and talked to him there. We have a pretty good idea of where he's at and we'll just see how things go. He's working hard at getting back and that's really what his primary focus should be, whether it's here or somewhere else."

With Reid, one usually has to read between the lines. Looking at this, it tells me that there is a real interest in bringing Runyan back to Philadelphia. The problem is that the Eagles will probably want to give him a one-year deal, and I'm sure Runyan is looking for more than that, probably at least two years.

However, I could be wrong. Perhaps he feels he can only play one more year, and it's no secret that he'd love to do it in Philadelphia if at all possible. A few years ago he took a discount from the Eagles so he wouldn't have to uproot his family, and he may be willing to do the same again.

Especially if it means he could be looking at a starting job again, whereas most teams will be looking at a 13-year veteran coming off of microfracture knee surgery as an emergency backup. The Eagles, however, know better.

An interesting and convenient nugget to this story is that Runyan may be cleared medically by as early as today by Dr. James Andrews. Runyan is flying to Alabama to get checked out and find out if he can begin his usual running and training.

"My goal all along has been to play this season, and we've had this date in mind as when I could begin running so hopefully I will get clearance from Dr. Andrews," Runyan said.

Runyan has said he's in contact with a "number of teams," one of them being the Philadelphia Eagles.

What they plan to do is always a mystery, but don't be surprised if you hear about the Eagles bringing Runyan in for a workout in the next week or so.