PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles center Jason Kelce will have surgery to repair a sports hernia, an injury he sustained in the first half of Sunday's game against Washington.
The Eagles, who had all five offensive linemen start every game last season, will be without three starters when they play the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Along with Kelce, the Eagles will be without left guard Evan Mathis, who sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee in the season opener, and right tackle Lane Johnson, who is serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Coach Chip Kelly said Monday that he didn't know how much time Kelce would miss or whether he could return this season. Mathis is on injured reserve-designated to return, a category limited to one player.
"I don't have a timetable in terms of our next step," Kelly said.
Kelce missed 14 games in 2012 after tearing an ACL in his knee. He returned last season and started all 16 regular-season games plus the Eagles' playoff game against New Orleans. In February, the Eagles signed Kelce to a seven-year contract extension worth $37.5 million, including $13 million in guaranteed money.
The fourth-year center plays a vital role in Kelly's up-tempo offense. Kelce makes the line calls and is especially good at getting out and blocking linebackers and defensive backs. His replacement Sunday, David Molk, was able to handle most of the responsibilities, Kelly said.
"We didn't have any issues when Molk got in the game," Kelly said. "Our system is driven that way. Our center makes the calls in terms of setting the front. Molk's good. He's not Jason right now, just because he doesn't have the experience in our system. He's a competitor. He's extremely quick off the ball. He really gets into the defender very quickly. He'll fight you. He's a tough, competitive guy."
Wade Smith, who played guard for 18 plays against Washington, can also play center. The Eagles signed the former Houston Texan after Mathis was injured. They could be looking for depth at center now that Kelce will require surgery. Kelly said he hadn't discussed those options yet.