Vandervelde Undergoes Back Surgery
Photo by: Jeff Fusco.
Julian Vandervelde underwent back surgery on Thursday, per multiple sources.
While timetables for recovery are difficult to predict, particularly when it comes to back injuries, his rehab time is expected to be similar to Dennis Kelly‘s. Kelly had back surgery to repair an L2 disc last August. He was cleared to participate in all football activities in September and had targeted Week 4 for his return. Kelly did not play last season, though, at least in part because the offensive line remained generally healthy last year.
“He’s going to need a little bit of patience because you do start over. You have to start from square one once you get cleared,” said Kelly. “It was tough going through the season because you’re just trying to get your strength back. I’d like to say [I reached 100 percent health] during the season but more realistically [it was] during the spring.”
Since Vandervelde has already practiced, he is not eligible for the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Vandervelde was listed as Jason Kelce‘s primary backup on the unofficial depth chart. That job now belongs to David Molk.
Riley Cooper (foot) returned to practice on Sunday at Franklin Field. Same for Jeff Maehl (ankle) who, like Cooper, spent some time in a walking boot.
Nolan Carroll (groin/hamstring) sat out again. Matthew Tucker was a spectator at practice; same for Jake Knott (hamstring).
Chris Polk (hamstring) took part in some individual drills but had no helmet on.