David Chao, MD
2 min read • August 09, 2022
Posted in
Eagles Pro Bowl center Jason Kelce underwent a “routine clean out” surgery on his right elbow Tuesday, but the Pro Football Docs firmly believe he will start Week 1.
Kelce did not have reconstructive surgery and will likely start rehabbing quickly after the surgery.
The Eagles and Kelce believed that the elbow discomfort would continue and be a potential problem into the regular season.
Kelce has injuries to his left elbow dating back to 2018. Recently, the right elbow problems have caused him to miss practice. To cut their losses, the parties opted to have surgery now.
Offensive linemen and specifically centers rely heavily on their elbows, not just to snap the ball, but to block effectively too. Rehab starting quickly post-surgery bodes well for the Eagles offense.
He has also played in 122 straight games, the longest active streak and in the NFL among centers.
While he’s as tough as the come, he is getting older. He’s 34 years old and has had myriad injuries in the past. This prompted the Eagles to draft center Cam Jurgens with the 51st pick in this year’s draft.
For at least one more season, Kelce is still the most important, and durable, member of the Eagles offensive line.
Written by David Chao, MD
