PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Doug Pederson warned his players in the summer.
The Eagles head coach knew the NFL could not escape the ugly specter of COVID-19. While positive tests began to show up in the summer, the Eagles and the rest of the league were hoping to get through the season unscathed.
The Eagles and most of the NFL have been able to get through their season largely uninterrupted despite positive tests around the league. Pederson and Lane Johnson both tested positive over the summer and the team had to adjust this past week after a staff member tested positive. Fletcher Cox made it clear the team was well-prepared for an unusual situation this season.
"Coach Pederson said it," said Cox. "At like one of the first couple of days we reported to training camp, he said that at some point in the season, we have to be able to adapt to change."
The Eagles have done just that as they were forced to go virtual last week with many of their meetings. It is all part of the new reality players are dealing with thanks to the pandemic. Despite the obstacles, Pederson was pleased with the way his team handled the situation.
"We've had a great week," Pederson said. "Great meetings. The virtual aspect of it has been really good and very productive. We've had really good walk-throughs prior to practice so quite honestly, just my concern really are the guys traveling to NovaCare for practice."
The Eagles executed their duties under the pandemic protocol as soon as they learned of the positive test. A team meeting was called and players such as Jalen Mills were forced to adjust accordingly.
"They sent out a mass text message saying that we had an immediate team meeting," Mills said. "We got into the meeting room and they told us that we were going into the NFL intensive protocol."
The Eagles were able to pass the test of dealing with restrictions last week. It unfortunately may not be the last time the team deals with changes due to a positive COVID-19 test and the NFL is hoping it will complete its season despite the risk of infection amongst its players and coaches. The Eagles set an example on how to follow the protocols this week. Pederson's only concern was the usual traffic troubles for his team.
"There honestly hasn't been a challenge," Pederson said. Maybe traffic in Philadelphia, and I say that seriously, because we know that traffic can be an issue with guys coming from Jersey or from downtown or parts of Pa. and just getting the guys here rather than getting them here early in the morning."
