How big will Peters' absence be for Eagles?

Jason Peters is a giant piece, literally and figuratively, to the Eagles’ offensive line. The 6-foot-4, 340-pound left tackle is regarded as one of the best at his position, and Peters was going to be one of the key cogs in protecting the ultra-important Michael Vick. However, after rupturing his right Achilles’ twice, that won’t happen this season.

With that came the replacement. The Birds signed Demetress Bell to fill in.

So when opening week of the 2012 season rolls around, what will be expected from the left tackle slot and what does this recent string of injuries mean to Peters' future?

The Sporting News offered their insight.

“The Eagles quickly signed free agent Demetress Bell and anointed the former Buffalo Bills lineman their starting left tackle,” Clifton Brown writes. “The best Peters can do is mentor Bell and stay diligent in his rehab as he works toward a 2013 return.
 
“It is not far-fetched to question whether someone of Peters’ size will need more than eight months to return to form, or to wonder if Peters will ever be the same. Freakish athleticism at 6-4, 340 pounds made Peter arguably the NFL’s best left tackle. But if he’s slower and less explosive after his return, the team might have to cut ties and move ahead with Bell or someone else.”

Not the best news for the Eagles, considering that keeping Vick healthy is paramount, and one of their top bodyguards may never be the same.