Watkins, 26, the Eagles’ first-round draft choice, is replacing Kyle DeVan in the lineup, just as DeVan replaced the Kelowna, B.C., native just before the season opener last month. King Dunlap will start at left tackle in place of ex-Bill Jason Peters, who suffered a hamstring injury late in the loss to the 49ers.
“I’ve been coming in early, leaving late, trying to get better and work away at it. I’ve made ground, for sure,” Watkins said to the McClathcy-Tribune.
Watkins said he never thought the football part of his adjustment was overwhelming. He was talking, he said, about moving from one part of the country to another, dealing with being recognized in public, and with the media, having crowds of reporters at his locker stall every day.
Eagles coach Andy Reid said the change had nothing to do with Watkins being a more physical lineman than DeVan, but given the Birds’ goal-line struggles, it’s a heckuva coincidence. DeVan had a tough day against the 49ers, most egregiously tripping and falling into the hole Ronnie Brown was trying to hit near the goal-line before Brown decided to throw the ball away, senselessly.
It’s a fact that Watkins looked lost in the pre-season, sometimes comically so. Andy Reid has said, and said again Wednesday, that moving from left tackle at Baylor to right guard, plus missing all the normal spring work, plus missing the first five days of training camp workouts, set up a situation where Watkins just wasn’t ready when the season started.
Orlando Franklin leaves Denver Broncos to be with Family
Broncos rookie right tackle Orlando Franklin was excused Wednesday to deal with a family tragedy.
Franklin’s status for Sunday’s game against San Diego is uncertain. Coach John Fox had already addressed the media when Franklin apparently learned of the situation after practice.
“Orlando was excused from afternoon meetings to deal with a family matter,” team spokesman Patrick Smyth said Wednesday afternoon.
Franklin tweeted Wednesday night, “Thanks guys for all your prayers for my little brother. Its a shame that he had to die at 20. Thanks again twitter fam 1Love.”
It’s not known when Franklin will return to practice.
Franklin was born in Kingston, Jamaica, but moved in with his older brother in Toronto while in high school before going to Florida to gain recruiting attention. He starred at the University of Miami and was selected by the Broncos with the 46th overall draft pick in April.
He has started all four games for Denver.
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