Doug Pederson happy that Fletcher Cox, Darren Sproles are at minicamp

Doug Pederson welcomed back Fletcher Cox and Darren Sproles this week, but the Eagles coach did little prodding about their two-month absences.

Cox has missed the offseason program to date while seeking a new contract. Sproles had family reasons. Neither player was available to reporters on Tuesday, although Cox released a statement through the team before practice.

"We didn't even get into it quite honestly," Pederson said of Cox's absence. "I was just happy he was back. Had a chance to visit with him yesterday and tell him how excited I was, I understand the voluntary process and the whole offseason, but we're excited to get him here this week."

The Eagles started the first practice of a three-day minicamp on Tuesday afternoon, but Cox and Sproles are not expected to have big roles this week. Pederson said they will be limited, and it was his decision – a player, agent, or management did not request it.

"We want him to be in the meetings," Pederson said of Cox. "We want him to be in the walk through. We want him to get as many reps this week as he can. …Not being here, I don't want to put him out there and risk injuries. He's a big part of this football team. Now's not the time to see what he can do, because he's proven that."

Pederson said Cox and Sproles are happy and on board with the team's plans.

"They are," Pederson said. "They are so excited to be here, to be around their teammates, the guys, the coaches. For both of them, they're learning a new system. It behooves them to pay attention in the meetings and the walk-throughs. Both of them were excited and ready to go."

Sproles had been in touch with running backs coach Duce Staley throughout the past two months, but Cox has been out of touch. Pederson said he did not discuss any of the contract issues or reasons for Cox's absence or silence because the workouts were voluntary.

"It's his decision," Pederson said. "Any of the guys can stay away. I don't get into that. I'm not looking in the past. I'm looking forward. He's here today, he was here yesterday, and I'm excited to have him and we're just going to build off of each day we have with him this week."

Pederson will stay out of contract negotiations. But he did sound confident that Cox would reach a long-term deal soon.

"I'm just hoping it's done – bottom line," Pederson said. "I'm fully confident that something will be done before camp."