Max

Jean-Gilles

Jean-Gilles lasts just a week on the roster. It’s possible the Panthers released him prior to the deadline to guarantee veteran’s contracts for the season.

Jean-Gilles has already lost close to 30 pounds and is down to about 358. He’ll likely end up as a backup guard this season unless Stacy Andrews falls on his face again.

Past weight issues were a major factor behind Jean-Gilles’ draft-day fall in 2006. The second-year player is being looked at as a developmental long-term project and doesn’t seem likely to see the field much as a sophomore.

Reid described Jean-Gilles’ play in the final few games of his second year as “dominant.” Jean-Gilles is still unlikely to beat out LG Todd Herremans.

Rookie Brent Celek will start in Smith’s place. Andrews will be replaced by second-year guard Max Jean-Gilles, a mauler with very little experience.

Jean-Gilles calls himself 60 percent right now and says his rehab is more difficult because of the 350+ pounds he’s carrying. He won’t be counted on as a starter this season, so the Eagles have no reason to rush him back. He’s a definite candidate to start the year on Physically Unable to Perform (PUP).

A 10-game starter last season due to injuries in front of him, Jean-Gilles is in a contract year. He’d be much better off focusing on earning a starting job, though. The Eagles won’t offer big bucks to extend a backup’s deal.

Jean-Gilles recovered quicker than anticipated after saying in May that he might not be ready by training camp. The 358-pound mauler will back up LG Todd Herremans and presumptive starting RG Stacy Andrews this season.

Initial workouts don’t involve contact and Andrews might be “limited” for most of August, but it’s still a good sign that he doesn’t need to go on the camp/PUP list. Backup G Max Jean-Gilles (broken fibula) also will practice.

This was the game Herremans had targeted for his return, so his foot obviously isn’t coming along as well as the Eagles had hoped. Nick Cole and Max Jean-Gilles have been servicable as the Eagles two guards so far this season, while Stacy Andrews has been benched.