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UPDATED: 5:35 p.m.
While Pederson could hardly consider himself lucky, he understands there are millions in the world who are having a much more difficult time dealing with this frightening virus.
"I know this virus affects people differently," said Pederson. “I am very respectful and mindful of that. I also want everyone to know that I feel great, energy level is high. I really have no symptoms whatsoever, and I am very fortunate because I do know and understand that this virus attacks people a little bit differently.”
Pederson was quick to praise the restrictions in place at the NovaCare Complex and was not about to pass any blame when it came to how he became infected.
He also praised how well his staff and his players have exercised caution.
However, Pederson understood that a positive test would likely come at some point with his team no matter what restrictions are in place.
Last Monday, Pederson spoke glowingly about the safety precautions the team has taken.
"I think there has to be a plan in place for any coach or any staff member that may miss either a couple of days, or maybe a couple of weeks, because of the virus. So, those are all things that are running through my mind," he said.
The Eagles confirmed that Pederson will continue to lead the team from home virtually as well as he can, and that Duce Staley, running backs coach and assistant head coach, will take Pederson’s responsibilities at Novacare.
"I do everything I can virtually," said Pederson. "I just finished up a bunch of player meetings, group meetings this morning already. Guys are getting ready for a walk-through on the field and yeah, Duce being the assistant head coach, he just assumes my role, the day-to-day activities in the building."
Staley took a question on Friday about just this kind of scenario — whether it was tougher to execute contingency plans for play-calling, because of the type of coaching collaborations the Eagles have and the number of voices in the room
“I think that’s an advantage," Staley said. "Because we’ve been doing it for a while, this is nothing new for us. This goes back three and four years ago. We’ve all been pretty much the coordinators. So, if something happens, or we lose a guy, we’ll all step in and continue the job.”
A statement from the Eagles also indicated that everyone who came in close contact with Pederson at the facility has been notified and will continue with daily testing and following protocol before coming back to the Novacare Complex.
According to SportsRadio 94WIP, the Eagles can start holding walk-throughs Monday, but the team won’t ramp up practicing until later this month.
Even when Pederson returns, there are no guarantees the NFL will be able to get through the season.
The recent positive tests in baseball have served as a warning sign for what may lie ahead in football, a sport which features much more contact on every play.
However, Pederson is still confident someone will be celebrating a Super Bowl victory at the end of what will be a full season.
"My confidence hasn't changed at all," Pederson said. "I'm extremely optimistic. I feel like we're going to play, I'm confident that we are going to play."
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