Andrews to Get Second Opinion on Back

Philadelphia Eagles guard Shawn Andrews, hoping to avoid a second back surgery in two years, saw another specialist in Dallas to get another opinion on an injury that has sidelined him for the past two seasons.

Eagles coach Andy Reid said that Andrews, who went on injured reserve before the start of the season, was seeking more information on what is becoming a career-threatening injury.

“He's in Dallas getting a second opinion, well actually I guess it's a third opinion,” Reid said Friday. “That request came from Dr. (Robert) Watkins.”

The Eagles face the Washington Redskins on Sunday. Andrews wrote earlier this week on his Twitter account that he was scheduled to have another surgery next week and asked for prayers on his recovery.

In another tweet, he said he hoped the surgery would leave him pain-free and that he would be able to resume his career.

Andrews has played just six quarters of football the past two seasons. He went on injured reserve with the back injury after the second game of the 2008 season.

He came back and took part in the Eagles' minicamp in the spring and seemed excited about his move from right guard to right tackle.

But his back injury flared up during a drill on the first day of training camp. He missed all of camp and was placed on injured reserve before the season.

Andrews has spent the past three months in California with Dr. Watkins rehabbing, but to no avail.