Doug Pederson talks Eagles’ first padded practice, splitting reps

The Eagles are finally having their first training camp padded practice on Monday, and head coach Doug Pederson spoke to media beforehand about how they’ll split reps, what he’s already seeing from some young guys, and a bit about Carson Wentz.

Here’s what the head coach had to say:

On training camp and reps

Monday is the first time these players put on pads since last season, and the coaches have to make sure that they are ramping up correctly and yet still get good work in over the next couple of days.

The starters will get a limited number of reps, as they try to get evaluations on some of the backup and situational players. Pederson said that they don’t have that much time ahead of the season, so they have to make the most out of these padded practice opportunities.

Even though Jason Peters is playing a new position, they still have to manage his reps since he’s an older player. Pederson emphasized that they can’t give the starters 100% of the reps, but Peters will get the number of reps he needs to feel comfortable in Week 1 against Washington.

The head coach was later asked about some of the young and new faces on the roster this season and how they’re looking in practice.

Pederson’s been really impressed with the linebacking group. He specifically mentioned TJ Edwards and Duke Riley who were with the team last year. Pederson explained that they were used situationally and on special teams, but now they have a chance to be rotational players on defense.

On offense, Pederson touted the competition and depth at tight end, and for the WR group, aside from the veterans, he noted that Jalen Reagor has really been impressive out on the field.

“It’ll be interesting now when we get into pads to see the physicality now of all these guys.”

He quipped about the unique situation they’re in given that last week was supposed to be the team’s first preseason game, and they would have been in pads for two weeks leading up to it. Pederson is just eager to get the guys running around and getting some contact, and really get a feel for where they are as they begin ramping things up over the next couple weeks.

On his early impression of Carson Wentz

“I’ve been thoroughly impressed. He has come into camp in great shape. He’s the leader of our football team. He’s coaching up the young players, which is great to see, he’s working well with DeSean [Jackson] and Greg Ward, JJ [Arcega-Whiteside], and the guys who were on the field last year.”

Pederson also said that Wentz is really taking ownership of where they are as a football season after a virtual offseason, and the head coach is really excited about the QB being the leader of the team.

Other notables

• Pederson said that Alshon Jeffery is doing “extremely well” and “progressing nicely”, but there is no timetable for his return.
• The head coach noted that they want to increase what Miles Sanders does for the offense, and that might include out of the backfield. Same with Boston Scott, who got some experience out of the backfield late last season.