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Thursday was the longest practice of Eagles training camp and head coach Doug Pederson spoke to the media afterwards about some of the unheralded players catching his attention. He also gave several injury updates.
On standouts so far
“I think [Carlton] Agudosi is a kid that’s kinda showed up a little bit here, from a receiver standpoint. Marken Michel is another one. I mean, these guys have really busted their tail, and put themselves in a position to help us and to help themselves — obviously make decisions tough.
You’re looking at the back end, even a veteran like Andrew Senedjo whose come in as a free agent and picking up our defense and learning the defense, making the calls and feeling comfortable back there. Even though he’s a veteran, I think that’s a plus for us.
Even Jordan Howard coming in and understanding his role, and what he’s capable of doing. Andre Dillard is obviously a bright spot, he’s getting better every single day. he’s competing. Is it pretty all the time? It’s not. But, at least he’s understanding his role and what he’s expected of.”
Pederson was then asked if they were planning to cross-train Dillard on the right side at all, and the head coach said that they’re main focus is to get him comfortable where he’s at, but he does think the rookie is capable of going to the other side.
The head coach was also asked to elaborate on the development of Agudosi and how he’s picking up route-running and other aspects of his position. Pederson said that everyday brings a new set of challenges for a young player like that, but that he is working his tail off in individual drills to improve.
He also talked a bit about Greg Ward, and said that his time in the AAF was valuable experience for the receiver. Pederson noted that Ward is a guy who knows the Eagles system and the offense, and is getting comfortable in the slot and showing up on tape.
On Miles Sanders
Pederson was asked right away about Miles Sanders who was sidelined during Thursday’s practice, and the head coach noted that he’s “good” after suffering what he called a foot injury, but will undergo some additional evaluation.
Update: Sanders walking off the field on his own power. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) August 1, 2019
Doug Pederson says Miles Sanders is “good.” Foot injury. Sanders is going to get checked out more but Doug thinks he should be okay. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) August 1, 2019
Additionally, Pederson mentioned that the thing that has impressed him most about the rookie running back so far is how he came back for training camp so in shape. After missing most of the spring with a hamstring issue, he didn’t miss a step upon his return.
His conditioning was good, he kept his weight where they wanted him to be, and he’s been attacking each and every day. The head coach did acknowledge that they’ve been monitoring Sanders’ reps so they aren’t over-extending him.
More injury updates
- The head coach also said that Mack Hollins is still working everyday and getting some individual work in, but that he does expect him working back into the 7-on-7 stuff in the next few days.
- Pederson gave DeSean Jackson a rest day on Thursday, but he did do some individual work.
- Linebacker Paul Worrilow is still working back from the ACL injury, and they’re still day-by-day with getting him healthy. But, Pederson said that he’s doing well.
- Similarly with Corey Clement, the running back was able to get in some work on 7-on-7 on Thursday for the first time all offseason. Pederson said there is still no timetable for when they’ll have him back and fully cleared, but that they do still need to have him prepared for when that time comes, so getting some involvement today was a good thing.
Other notables
Pederson was asked about Eagles president Don Smolenski’s comments last week about limiting open practices, and the head coach agreed that there are several factors that go into that decision — including the condition of the field with concerts and preseason games.
He was also asked about what his first practice was like as a rookie QB — going waaaay back. Pederson noted that he was always with the offensive line, working on his cadence, and didn’t even get reps as a backup quarterback his first couple of training camps. He joked that he threw a bit to running backs and tight ends, but never to the receivers.