With Watkins Questionable, Scott Could Be Plugged In

Offensive lineman Jake Scott was signed by the Eagles on Monday. He could see action less than a week later.

Danny Watkins (ankle) practiced all week but is officially questionable for Sunday’s game in Washington.

“Well, what you end up getting with the [high-ankle sprain], you get tweaks in there and it hinders your lateral mobility,” said Andy Reid. “I was proud of him for getting out here and going through what he did. He did a nice job with it. He’s making progress and we’ll just see how he does here over the next couple days.”

Reid would not reveal who would take Watkins’ place if he can’t go.

Here’s what we do know: Dennis Kelly, who filled in for Watkins at right guard while he was out, has been getting the majority of his reps at right tackle this week. It has been a “60-40” split between tackle and guard at practice, according to Kelly. This is a tough situation for the rookie, who is trying to mentally prepare for his first professional start at tackle while also working in at guard.

“I’m taking the same approach that I did throughout the week. We don’t know what’s going on with Danny yet, so you’ve just got to be ready to take both,” said Kelly. “It’s a little difficult. With the beginning of the year, trying to learn the offense with all the positions it does make it a little bit interesting, but I’m used to it now and have a better grasp of the offense so it’s not as hard.”

Meanwhile, Scott has been working in at right guard and, despite being brand new to the team, could be called upon if Watkins can’t go and Kelly is kept outside.

“There’s a chance, yeah. There’s a chance,” said Reid. “He worked in part of the rotation, That’s a possibility.

“He looks like he’s in pretty good shape. We put him through a pretty excessive workout, just in case it came down to where he had to get in and play and he handled that well.”

The 31-year-old Scott played under Howard Mudd in Indianapolis so he has an understanding of the technique. Scott said he had some options prior to signing with the Eagles but was “picky in the situation. I wanted to be in the right situation. I wanted to be somewhere where I could come in and have a chance to play.”

With the offensive line in flux, he may have an opportunity to do just that.

The 6-5, 292-pounder has started 121 career regular season games and nine postseason contests with the Colts (2004-07) and Titans (2008-11). He started all 16 games in each of the last seven years.

“I’ve got to be ready for this Sunday if they need me,” said Scott. “So, I’ll be ready for Sunday.”

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