Good news for the Birds, who look like they’ll have one of their starting linemen back for Sunday’s game in Cleveland.

Doug Pederson said this Friday about left guard Isaac Seumalo:

“Isaac’s had a really good week of practice. I fully expect and anticipate him being active and being available for this game. Obviously today is a big day for him and for us. But I would anticipate him being cleared and ready for this football game.” 

This means Sua Opeta will likely return to the bench and the line will look something like:

  • Jason Peters – LT
  • Seumalo – LG
  • Jason Kelce – C
  • Matt Pryor or Nate Herbig – RG
  • Lane Johnson – RT

Pederson said he wasn’t sure about Herbig’s status for Sunday (finger/hand injury), so right guard seems to be the only spot up in the air. They actually could go with Opeta on the right side if they aren’t very high on Pryor, which they don’t seem to be. 

You could, however, make a case that the Eagles are better off with Peters at right guard and Jordan Mailata at left tackle, yes? If it keeps Pryor or Opeta off the field, then that group of five seems better than the alternative. But the Eagles love Peters and aren’t moving him off the left tackle spot, because they’ll do anything for their 38-year-old captor who held them hostage for more money over the summer. It’s like Stockholm Syndrome.