Eagles WR Jordan Matthews (knee) expected to miss next few weeks

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews is expected to miss the next few weeks of training camp, head coach Doug Pederson said Monday.

Matthews injured his knee during Friday's practice session. Rookie cornerback Jalen Mills hit Matthews low, one of several incidents that led veteran offensive players to complain. Tight end Zach Ertz, who was tested for a concussion after a hit a few plays before Matthews' injury, spoke out about the hits.

"It needs to be addressed," Ertz said, "but it is what it is. It's live football, so if that situation [happens] in a game, we've got to get ready for it. But obviously, with Jordan and I getting hurt today, you don't want to see that."

Pederson has defended the amount of contact in his practices, saying that football is a contact sport and hitting is the only way to prepare properly. But injuries have started to add up, with starting linebacker Mychal Kendricks leaving the field during Monday's practice.

Left tackle Jason Peters (quadriceps), safety Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring) and rookie running back Wendell Smallwood (quadriceps) have missed the past several days of practice. Matthews, 24, was the Eagles' leading receiver in 2015 with 997 yards on 85 receptions. In his absence, Josh Huff has taken a lot of first-team reps in the slot. Veteran Rueben Randle is also a likely candidate to replace Matthews.

Matthews will miss the Eagles' preseason opener Thursday night against Tampa Bay. He will likely miss their Aug. 18 game against Pittsburgh. Pederson said he hoped to have Matthews back in time for the Eagles' third preseason game, Aug. 17 at Indianapolis.