Doug Pederson isn’t worried about the Eagles’ offensive line depth

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson spoke to the media on Wednesday morning and gave some injury updates, as well as talk about the left tackle position, Carson Wentz’s growth, and a bit about the young players on the roster.

Here’s what the head coach had to say:

On Injuries

He wouldn’t confirm that the 9 guys listed out with an illness over the weekend was related to the batch of false-positives around the league. But, he did say that they just have to continue to prepare for those situations if it were to happen in-season.

“Can’t control it. Obviously, the guys, when they do come back, they’re negative from a testing standpoint, which is positive for us. Listen, this is why we have the protocols in place, and the protocols have been working.”

Pederson later was asked about Alshon Jeffery, and wouldn’t get into whether or not PUP was in play for the receiver, but he’s working extremely hard and he’s been doing on-land running. They’re hoping to get him back on the field with the team soon, “at some point in the near future.”

Regarding the depth with the offensive line as there have been a couple injuries in camp, Pederson said that he does feel comfortable with the group. He noted that it’s camp and thing will happen, and guys will miss a couple days here and there. The head coach also pointed to having to reduce their camp rosters by 10 players (down to 80) and how a couple of those guys were lineman.

He admitted it’s up to him to be smart about how they practice, and how much they practice, to keep guys healthy and fresh going into the season.

On 12 personnel and Dallas Goedert

Pederson acknowledged that it’s a big part of their offense, 12 personnel with the two tight ends. He said it’s hard to see how this season is going to play out and whether they might see a little bit more 11 personnel, or even 13 personnel. It depends on the opponents each week and the structure of the offense.

He noted that he loves having the two tight ends, and grew up with two tight ends in the sort of West Coast offense when he was in Green Bay. The head coach said they’re blessed to have two talented guys at the position and they’ll find ways to get them involved and out there at the same time.

On the left tackle position

“I’ve been real impressed with [Andre] Dillard and his growth, his strength, and what he did this offseason. Coming into camp mentally and physically prepared. He’s done a really nice job for us. He has really stepped in and embraced that role at left tackle.

[Jordan] Mailata is doing some good things. He flashes from time to time. Again, keeping in mind that football is relatively new to him. He doesn’t have a lot of game experience, obviously, outside of preseason in the past. But, he’s doing a really good job for us at left tackle, as well, and could potentially be someone who could swing from left to right, if need be.”

On Carson Wentz

On Tuesday, new coach Rich Scangarello talked about how impressed he was with the quarterback, and noted that he had worked on his mechanics this offseason. Pederson wasn’t in those meetings so he isn’t sure exactly what they worked on, but he’s been happy with what he’s seen from Wentz so far.

“He’s come in stronger. He’s come in in the right frame of mind. I can tell he’s worked on his feet, and getting his feet in great position to make strong, accurate throws.”

Later, Pederson agreed further with Scangarello about how Wentz prepares mentally and thinks deeply about the game. The QB processes things extremely well, and fast, and now going into his fifth year in the system, things process even quicker. The head coach likes that Wentz is able to take that knowledge and communicate and translate that with his teammates — even veterans like DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery.

Other notables

• Adrian Killins is someone Pederson sees in a receiver-type role, and they’ve used him at several positions so far in camp. He’s getting more reps because Miles Sanders is out and Boston Scott is limited. Pederson said that he’s been impressed with Killins knowledge and he does a nice job in the receiver role out of the backfield.
• The head coach talked a little about the young receivers and if there will be enough time before the season to develop that trust in them come game time. Pederson noted that it’s just the situation they’re in, and if any of the rookie receivers are called on, they’ll have to trust them if they’re on the 53.
• Pederson said that it was great for the Eagles to be able to get Elijah Holyfield, and while it’s unfortunate they didn’t the full offseason with him, he’s taking advantage of the additional reps he’s getting with Sanders out and Scott limited. Holyfield is doing a nice job on the field and in the team setting, and they’re impressed with where he is with the offense.