Pederson: Sproles Has Missed Every Workout

Darren Sproles. (Jeff Fusco)

Darren Sproles has missed all of the Eagles voluntary workouts, Doug Pederson said today.

As OTAs began this morning, Ian Rapoport tweeted that the Eagles received trade interest during the draft for Sproles, and that the running back is “staying away from OTAs until its [sic] sorted out.” Rapoport added that the situation isn’t “filled with frustration,” but Sproles is on the West Coast with his family.

Pederson, however, said the Eagles have no interest in trading Sproles, and the 32-year-old doesn’t want to leave Philadelphia.

“He and I have been in direct communication. We’ve been talking all offseason. I have no issues with Darren. I fully expect him to be here for the mandatory camp,” Pederson said. “Where he is in his career, I’ve been there before, too, where sometimes you just want that break. With him and his family being apart during the season, this is a time for him to spend quality time with the family. He knows what it takes to get himself ready to go, and I fully expect him to be here in a couple of weeks.”

Pederson added that he has reached out to Fletcher Cox multiple times, but he hasn’t spoken with Cox. He also named Allen Barbre as the starter at left guard.

A few Eagles were limited during the first day of OTAs, including Jordan Hicks, who has some tightness in his legs. Nolan Carroll, who is still rehabbing his broken fibula, participated in individual workouts and group installation, but not full team work. Cody Parkey was also limited.

As soon as practice began, all eyes were on the quarterbacks. Sam Bradford, Chase Daniel and Carson Wentz evenly split reps during scripted work, while Pederson noted that Wentz will get more reps than the typical No. 3 quarterback throughout the offseason. He reiterated that Bradford is the starter and Daniel is the backup, while “Carson has a long way to go with this system.”

Although Daniel has been helping Wentz learn the system and adjust to the NFL, Pederson doesn’t seem to have the same expectation for Bradford.

“I expect Sam not to look over his shoulder,” Pederson said. “I expect Sam to look forward; he’s getting himself ready for the season.”