Philadelphia Eagles flash glimpse of plan at left guard without Landon Dickerson and it wasn't one anyone predicted

The Philadelphia Eagles flashed their plan at left guard with Landon Dickerson sidelined due to a knee injury, and it wasn't one that anyone could have predicted.

Sure, Brett Toth got the start, but then the Eagles moved rookie Drew Kendall from center to left guard at halftime.

This was a surprise to everyone, considering the Eagles had Kendall taking snaps at center throughout training camp. It was also a bit of a surprise to Kendall.

"I had an idea a couple of days ago,” Kendall said when asked when he knew he would be taking reps at left guard. “...I had some walk-through reps there [on Friday], so I knew going into the game, I was going to get some guard reps.”

While Kendall was listed as a guard and center during the draft, he played his college career at Boston College at center. A captain and All-ACC First Team honoree, Kendall started all 13 games at center in 2024 and finished his career starting 31 consecutive games at the position. He posted a team-best 83.1 pass blocking grade as well as a 76.8 offensive grade, per Pro Football Focus.

Switching positions is always weird, but Kendall doesn't find it difficult.

"I don't know what the hardest part is,” Kendall said. “I think it's just a familiarity thing, you know? 
Like, when you're so used to playing in one spot, even in the huddle, like, I was calling for the huddle sometimes, I was like, wait, I'm not at center. That was funny. 

“Just kind of getting used to it and just like getting more comfortable."

The Eagles have one more preseason game against the New York Jets next Friday. We'll see if they continue with Toth or give Kendall more looks.

The good news is that the Eagles won't have to come up with a long-term plan at left guard since Dickerson is considered week-to-week.

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