Leodis McKelvin back at practice; Ryan Mathews out with illness

One in, one out.

After missing the first two days of this week’s practices, Leodis McKelvin returned to the practice field at the NovaCare Complex on Friday. He’s still dealing with a nagging hamstring injury that has plagued him all season and forced him to the sideline twice already this year.

Talking to reporters Friday, Doug Pederson didn’t sound concerned about McKelvin’s ability to play on Sunday despite the veteran corner only getting one day of practice in.

“Typically if a player can go on Friday, and he feels good, and we feel like he’s capable to contribute, then usually he’ll be available for the game,” Pederson said. “We’ll see and find out more today as we go through practice.”

the hamstring -

As far as the hamstring is concerned in more of a long-term situation, Pederson said they definitely want to get a hold of the injury. But what matters to Pederson, he said, is that McKelvin feels good, today and right now, and they need to figure out if he’ll be able to go against Washington.

“That’s why we want to try it today in practice,” Pederson explained.

While McKelvin returned to practice, Ryan Mathews was leaving the complex early on Friday. Pederson said the team let him go home because of an illness.

For what it’s worth, Pederson didn’t sound too concerned about the sickness keeping the team’s lead running back out of the game this weekend. He said the team would monitor the situation and see what happens, but he expects Mathews to be ready for Washington. Mathews has 44 carries for 146 yards and 3 TDs this season.