Shawn Andrews is back in the nest for now, but in what capacity?

Shawn Andrews has arrived. The 6’4″, 330 pound (“Yeah, in your bra”…thank you Liar, Liar) guard from Arkansas is in Lehigh. In his absence, the rumors have been circulating for the last few weeks ranging from the dreaded contract dispute to (are you ready for this one?) not wanting to practice in the God-awful heat and humidity at camp. No, you don’t say! Wait, let me get this straight- a morbidly obese offensive lineman doesn’t want to practice in two-a-days? Holy Jeepers, Batman!

Oh, not to worry. Andrews finally reported on Sunday after a two week sabbatical. His timing couldn’t have been any worse having reported to camp just 48 hours before the release of Madden 2009. Way to think that one through, Shawn.

So after all of the guessing and gossiping, Andrews finally spilled his guts to the local media citing depression as the reason for his absence. Well, that’s a pretty legit excuse. No harm, no foul. Mental issues are totally off-limits as far as bashing a player go. His timing and lack of communication on the other hand are worth questioning.

So what do the Eagles do? The timeline for Andrews’ return to the actual playing field, in a full-time capacity, and to real game action are both unknown. I believe, like many others, that Andrews will be ready for the start of the regular season barring any more setbacks. The contingency plan, though, is pretty solid. During this time, the Eagles have inserted Max Jean-Giles, the 2006 draft pick from the Georgia Bulldogs, in Andrews’ place.

After the first pre-season game, the Eagles should be pleased with the performance of Jean-Giles, another Andrews-like behemoth whose never met a Tastykake he didn’t like. Throughout the game, the Eagles Television Network highlighted Jean-Giles and much to my delight, he performed like a veteran and helped the Eagles first team offense post a 10 spot on the Steelers’ talented defense in just two quarters of play. He did this, mind you, versus the 3-4 defenses that the Eagles offenses usually struggle against mightily.

Despite Jean-Giles early success, let’s hope Andrews returns to the field soon and is “healed” by the first game against the St. Louis Rams. It is never easy to replace a Pro Bowl player like Andrews, but Jean-Giles is waiting in the wings. If nothing else, this could prove to be a blessing in disguise when your 2010 offensive line could include Andrews and Jean-Giles working alongside each other at tackle and guard respectively.

Hold outs or otherwise camp absentees of the past have opened the doors for others. Remember back to 2003…Duce Staley held out of camp and this opened the door for Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter to get more reps. Move the clock forward five years and both Westbrook and Buckhalter are thriving while Duce is long retired after a disappointing end to his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Let’s hope that Jean-Giles, like Westbrook and Buckhalter, has not taken any rep lightly and will translate this experience into a career of Andrews-like Pro Bowl appearances.