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Shawn Andrews' back problems aren't getting any better.

Despite undergoing a rigorous rehab program in California, the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive lineman is still experiencing pain. He is scheduled to have a second operation next week, but the team announced Friday that Andrews will first seek another medical opinion from a specialist in Dallas.

"He just hasn't made progress from the rehab," coach Andy Reid said Friday in quotes provided by the Eagles. "It's not from a lack of effort. He's been very diligent (with his rehab) and has been working his tail off. Backs are sensitive things and there are a million different things that can go wrong."

Without Andrews, the offensive line has been inconsistent. It enters Sunday's game against Washington having allowed 25 sacks in 10 games after giving up 23 all last season.

Right tackle hasn't been a problem, however. Winston Justice, who replaced Andrews, has played so well that the Eagles gave him a four-year, $18.5 million contract extension last Tuesday.

"Winston's deal is not connected with (Andrews' injury)," Reid said. "I would have done (the new contract) anyway. Winston is the one playing for us right now and he's done a nice job. I just thought he deserved it."

Andrews is just one of a number of Eagles offensive players who have endured injuries this season.

Rookie tight end Cornelius Ingram is also on injured reserve after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee for the second straight year. Wide receiver Kevin Curtis will miss his ninth straight game Sunday after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Oct. 24. Running back Brian Westbrook is out for at least one more week after suffering his second concussion of the season at San Diego two weeks ago.

Several other members of the offense are playing through minor injuries. Quarterback Donovan McNabb continues to wear a flak jacket after fracturing his ribs in the season-opening game. Fullback Leonard Weaver has a sprained ankle.

But the Eagles keep rolling. McNabb and company are coming off a solid performance against Chicago. He threw two touchdown passes. Rookie running back LeSean McCoy filled in for Westbrook and rushed for a career-high 99 yards.

"It's been a challenge as far as making sure everybody is on the same page," McNabb said earlier this week. "But I think (the veterans) have done a good job of providing confidence to the new faces we have in the huddle and in the locker room."

They have handled it much better than the Redskins, who are missing key players such as tight end Chris Cooley, running back Clinton Portis and tackle Chris Samuels.

The Eagles (6-4) can take over sole possession of second place in the NFC East on Sunday. The Redskins (3-7) are essentially out of the playoff race and waiting for the season to end.

"It's been really difficult for us, especially on offense," Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell said in a phone interview this week. "Offense is all about chemistry and we haven't had it all season. It's been a long year, a tough year."

Extra points: Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter (knee inflammation) is listed as questionable on the injury report after sitting out Friday's practice, but he is expected to play against the Redskins. Cornerback Asante Samuel (strained neck) also is questionable but also expected to play. Like Curtis and Westbrook, linebacker Akeem Jordan (hypextended knee) will not play Sunday.

Contact David Weinberg:

609-272-7186

DWeinberg@pressofac.com

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