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Eagles WR Jordan Matthews, LB Jordan Hicks will both be limited to start training camp

Eagles coach Doug Pederson updated the status of injured players entering training camp.

Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews catches a pass during OTAs May 23, 2017.
Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews catches a pass during OTAs May 23, 2017.Read moreClem Murray / Staff Photographer

The Eagles enter training camp monitoring the health of two Jordans.

Wide receiver Jordan Matthews and linebacker Jordan Hicks are both expected to be limited when the veterans arrive for their first practice Thursday, coach Doug Pederson said Monday. Pederson emphasized that the regular season is still weeks away — the Eagles will open Sept. 10 — but at least for July, those are two injuries to watch.

[Eagles practice observations: Highlights from Day 1]

Hicks broke a bone in his hand during his honeymoon this summer. Pederson confirmed that Hicks had a "minor procedure."

"He's a veteran player, understands his role," Pederson said. "I'm not going to rush him out there. Still going to go through our individuals, our 7-on-7, as he gets up there."

Pederson does not expect Hicks' injury to stretch into the season. The Eagles need Hicks to remain healthy this season after he lasted all 16 games in 2016. Hicks said in the spring that a healthy off-season has been critical for development; he emerged as a key player last season and has established himself as one of the team's best players.

Matthews presents a more curious case. The fourth-year wide receiver missed time in the spring because of knee tendinitis. He still hasn't fully recovered, and Pederson was evasive when asked for particulars about the injury. He said he's "not concerned" that the the injury will extend into the season, although it's already lingered for months.

"We've just got to stay on top of it, obviously," Pederson said. "We've been rehabbing all spring and summer. He was in North Dakota with the guys. He's another one we need to monitor as we go. Again, we don't play a game for a long time, so I'm not concerned."

Matthews injured his knee last summer, causing him to miss the entire preseason. He returned for the regular season but was sidelined in December with an ankle injury.

Defensive tackle Beau Allen, who has a pectoral injury, was working on the sideline during Monday's practice session. Pederson said the Eagles will monitor Allen, and he was unsure whether Allen would return in time for Week 1.