Pederson Ends Tackling At Practice, Matthews Out A 'Couple Weeks'

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- After a slew of injuries to key players, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson is re-thinking his full fledged tackling style practices.

"The live tackling drills will probably be over, but we will continue to practice in pads throughout training camp into the regular season," Pederson said on Monday. "I just have to look at the overall health of the football team and it's not about getting somebody hurt, but it's about protecting the guys that are out here."

Eagles' top receiver Jordan Matthews was hit low by corner Jalen Mills last Friday. After practice, Pederson said Matthews is fine and will "just be sore for a couple days."

However, over the weekends days" turned into weeks.

"Jordan Matthews is still a couple of weeks away from being back," Pederson said Monday. "We want to make sure that he's completely -- with that knee -- completely healthy. Hopefully, tentatively, you get into that Colts that third preseason [game]. If not, then regular season."

Pederson does not believe Matthews' "left-knee sprain" will impact his status for the team's Week 1 regular season opener against the Cleveland Browns on September 11th.

Jason Peters and Malcolm Jenkins, according to Pederson, are day-to-day. They will both miss Thursday's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and are expected back next week.