Yahoo Sports Cam Jurgens injury update: Eagles C returns to action in NFC championship game
One of the most underrated aspects of a football roster is a quarterback's relationship and chemistry with his center.
The Eagles put that chemistry to the test to begin Sunday's game with an injury keeping their starting center limited against the Commanders.
Cam Jurgens is active for the NFC championship game, initially in only a "backup/emergency role" as he continues to deal with a back injury, according to reports. He eventually entered the game for the Eagles in the second half.
Starting left guard Landon Dickerson slid over to fill in at center when Jurgens failed to make the start, and backup guard Tyler Steen took Dickerson's spot on the left side of the interior. However, Dickerson sustained a knee injury and is questionable to return, leading to Jurgen's return to the field.
Here's what that could mean for the Eagles and their offense:
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Eagles' OL is one of their biggest strengths
A big part of Philadelphia's success in recent years has been rooted in the strength of its offensive line. The Eagles' offensive identity, which includes plays like the "tush push" and the general success of its run game – particularly that of tailback Saquon Barkley – is built on the foundation of the offensive line.
The center is usually the glue that holds it all together. Between the need for a good snap to the quarterback to start the play, communication with other linemen on blocking strategies and changing protections when necessary, a good center is an invaluable asset.
After 13 years of success and consistency with Jason Kelce, Philadelphia was prepared to replace him this year after his retirement with his heir apparent in Jurgens. Over the last four-plus years – since Jalen Hurts has been the Eagles' starting quarterback – Jurgens and Kelce have been the center for almost every single snap, and both have at least started every game that Hurts has.
That may change with Dickerson possibly filling in as the starter against the Commanders with a Super Bowl appearance on the line. How he, Hurts and the rest of the offensive line's performance will be affected by Jurgens' injury will only be evident once the NFC championship game kicks off on Sunday afternoon.
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What happened to Cam Jurgens?
Jurgens may have injured his back during the Eagles' clash with the Rams in the divisional round last weekend.
He was listed as a non-participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday but was a limited participant on Friday.
Cam Jurgens injury updates
Jurgens has entered for the Eagles to start the second half. Dickerson, who had been filling in for Philadelphia's starting center, got banged up during the first half of the NFC championship game and is questionable to return with a knee injury. Steen remains in at left guard.
According to Fox Sports' Ralph Vacchiano, Jurgens is warming up with the rest of the team pregame, though all of his snap reps are with backup quarterback Kenny Pickett. Dickerson is taking first-team snaps at center with Hurts.
The Eagles left Jurgens off their inactives list ahead of Sunday's NFC championship game. He'll be on the sideline and suited up at kickoff, though multiple reports indicate that he will not start against the Commanders.
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Eagles center depth chart
According to Philadelphia's official website, this is how their depth chart shakes out at center:
Cam Jurgens
Gates joined the Eagles this offseason after signing with the team as a free agent. The team released him at the tail-end of training camp before signing him to its practice squad one day later. Philadelphia promoted Gates to the active roster in Week 2.
However, Gates will not fill in for the injured Jurgens in Sunday's NFC championship game, as he is inactive for the contest. Instead, Dickerson slid over to center from his usual starting position at left guard and Steen, the backup guard, filled in for Dickerson against the Commanders.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cam Jurgens injury update: Eagles C returns in second half
