Boston College offensive tackle James Hendren announced on Instagram he has been medically disqualified from playing because of concussions.

It saddens me to say that as of today, my football playing days have come to an end. I've been medically disqualified from playing football as a result of the number of concussions I've had, and the risk associated with continuing playing after those head injuries. I'd like to say how grateful I am to have had the opportunities in this game that I've had. I've been able to learn lessons from this game that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Some of the best lessons in life are made so clear by this sport. I've met people who will be a part of my life forever. The support I've had during my playing career from my family, friends, coaches, teachers, professors, and BC fans has been incredible, and I couldn't begin to show how grateful I am for that. I've had so much to be thankful for as a result of this game, and I'll love it forever. I want to thank my coaches at BC, particularly Coach Frye and Coach Addazio for giving me a chance to realize my dream of playing at Boston College. It's a special place, a special institution, and the football team here is a special group of men. The team will undoubtedly have major successes in the very near future, and while it saddens me that I'm not able to be a part of that as I thought I would be, it's so exciting to be able to see it so soon. I want to thank Coach Day at Dexter for inspiring a love for the game that will be there forever. I especially want to thank Astrid and David Hendren for being my rocks throughout my career, and I know they'll always be there for me no matter what. I wish my playing career didn't have to end like this, I wish it didn't have to end ever, but sometimes that's the way it goes. It's such an amazing game, and it will forever hold a special, special place in my heart. 🏈

A photo posted by James Hendren (@jhendren58) on Feb 1, 2016 at 1:13pm PST

Hendren started two games at right tackle this past season as a redshirt freshman but primarily served as a backup to Dave Bowen. With Bowen gone, Hendren would have been in the mix to earn the starting right tackle job in the spring. Offensive line is a key area of concern for the Eagles after struggling across the board in 2015 with an inexperienced unit.

Three starters return, but this will remain a relatively young unit. Depth also is a concern.