Eagles WRs Alshon Jeffery, Torrey Smith miss practice

It looked like it was 2016 again for the Eagles offense.

The Eagles practiced Tuesday without Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith, but coach Doug Pederson didn't sound concerned about the absence of his two high-profile free-agent wide receivers.

Jeffery has a shoulder injury – he fell on it during practice on Saturday – and Smith has back spasms.

"They're OK," Pederson said. "In Alshon's case, we just wanted to give him a day. I've seen a lot from Alshon. Obviously, he has done a great job and this [along with Smith's day off] is a good way for us to get some of our younger players … a chance to get some reps."

The first-team wide receivers were Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor, and Marcus Johnson. All were with the Eagles last season. Quarterback Carson Wentz agreed with Pederson that it was a chance to see other receivers on Tuesday, which was the team's first full-contact practice of training camp.

"Things happen, Alshon and Torrey are both a big part of what we do," Pederson said. "Getting guys like Marcus Johnson, Nelson, Mack Hollins, different guys going out there, you see them making plays. The goal is if someone goes down, someone can step right in and not miss a beat. Obviously we miss those guys, but we're not too worried about it."

The offense also missed running backs LeGarrette Blount and Donnel Pumphrey, the most notable offseason additions to the backfield. Pederson excused Blount for personal reasons. Pumphrey is nursing a hamstring injury, but he expects to return soon. Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood, two of the top three running backs from last season, were the top running backs on Tuesday.

BAD DAY FOR PATRICK ROBINSON

It was an ugly morning for veteran cornerback Patrick Robinson, who is playing with the first-team defense but has not calmed concerns about the position this summer.

"It was a terrible day for me," Robinson said. "As far as the standards for the DBs, we've got a lot of expectations for us. I didn't have a good day today. But it's camp. Sometimes you're gonna have days like that, but you have to bounce back."

Robinson lamented allowing two deep balls – a "huge no-no," he said. The Eagles have mostly been playing with Jalen Mills, Robinson, and Ron Brooks as their top three cornerbacks.

JORDAN MATTHEWS REMAINS ON THE FIELD

Although there was concern that Jordan Matthews would be limited to start training camp, the wide receiver has not missed practice. He's been a full participant in every session while coming back from knee tendinitis.

Matthews doesn't like to discuss his health in detail. He's made some nice catches during his first few practices and has looked like he belongs on the field, but to the naked eye, he's still not yet at full health. It's nonetheless notable that he has not missed a day since the veterans reported last week.

"If I'm out there, they're going to treat me like I'm 100 percent, so that's how I'm going to play," Matthews said. "I'm definitely getting better every single day. It's a process. But every single day I go out there, I feel a little bit more like myself."

EXTRA POINTS

Quarterback Nick Foles (elbow), defensive tackle Elijah Qualls (groin), guard Josh Andrews (wrist), and defensive end Alex McCalister (hamstring) also missed practice. …The Eagles will have live contact periods in practice again on Thursday. Their third tackling practice of training camp will come in the week between the first and second preseason game.