Rivera understands pressure on Pederson
Ron Rivera knows the Philadelphia landscape, having coached the Eagles’ linebackers under Andy Reid from 1999 through 2003.
Now the head coach of the Washington Football Team, which can complete a worstto-first season in the NFC East with a win over the Eagles Sunday, he knows how difficult it must be for counterpart Doug Pederson.
With a 4-10-1 season, Pederson has found himself on likely to be fired lists.
“From my own perspective as a head coach it’s always tough when you’re losing,” Rivera said on a conference call. “The expectations are typically high. Doug’s done a great job there. It’s interesting because I always point to the certain teams that have shown a certain patience in the redevelopment of their football teams. Look at what Pittsburgh has done. Mike Tomlin went 7-9 I think it was three years in a row. I think John Harbaugh did the same thing being average for a few years. Even Sean Payton down in New Orleans. But what happened was they believed in what they were doing and they just thought, ‘hey, we’re going to rebuild this way keeping the same culture.’”
No NFL coach has battled through more adversity this season than Rivera, who was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma and underwent che
motherapy early in the season. Cancer free, he appreciates every day just a little bit more. He sympathizes with Pederson.
“I’ ve been around Doug ,” River a said. “Doug’s a standup guy.”
On the injury front, Rivera is hopeful wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who tortures the Eagles will be in uniform Sunday despite a sprained ankle.
Rivera also said quarter back Alex Smith (calf) worked on the side Wednesday and t hat quarterback Taylor Heinicke took the snaps at practice.
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Out of respect for the game, we give you the Eagles’ lengthy injury report.
The WFT almost certainly won’t have to worry about watching film, of this list of Eagles who sat out the Wednesday practice: Defensive end Derek Barnett (calf), linebacker Shaun Bradley (neck), defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (neck), tight end Dallas Goedert (calf), wide receiver DeSean Jackson (ankle), cornerback Michael Jacquet (calf), offensive tackle Jordan Mailata (concussion), tight end Richard Rodgers (ankle), wide receiver Quez Watkins (rib).
Linebacker Duke Riley (biceps) was limited.
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The Eagles activated the 21-day practice window on veteran guard Brandon Brooks (Achilles’ tendon) and rookie Davion Taylor (knee).
Brooks participated in individual drills, his first work of the season.
Taylor, the third-round draft pick out of Colorado, hurt his knee against the Packers four weeks ago.