Injuries becoming major storyline in Eagles training camp

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- We were so worried this would be a boring Eagles training camp, but be careful what you wish for.

Injuries are becoming a major storyline, and that's never a good thing.

After missing the first week of camp with injuries, Eagles running back Ryan Mathews and right guard Brandon Brooks finally hit the field for practice Friday.

"We were both like rehab buddies in there the whole time," said Brooks. "It felt good. Kind of been chomping at the bit to get out here. For the past three days, I been out running and stuff."

Eagles may have gotten a few starters back out on the field Friday, but they lost others, including wide receiver Jordan Matthews and tight end Zach Ertz who left with minor injuries. Marcus Smith suffered a concussion.

Not to mention they were without Jason Peters and Malcolm Jenkins after they suffered injuries Thursday.

You have to wonder if all the live hitting in camp is catching up to them?

"That's the way it is. People flying around, competing," said Eagles tackle Lane Johnson. "It gonna be some people getting tweaked up every now and then."

"Football is a contact sport. This is gonna happen. Whether it happens today or it happens Thursday night, it's part of the game and I'm a big believer you never shy away from contact," said Coach Doug Pederson.

While Pederson says he is not second-guessing his decision to live hit in camp, Ertz, who was cleared of a concussion Friday, is not happy with the low hits he's taken the last few days.

"You can't second-guess your coaching, that's first and foremost. ... Everybody's fully behind him," said Ertz. "Obviously we've had some injuries. It's part of football."

Having said that, Ertz wants the rookies to give a little more respect.

The Eagles won't have to worry about it Saturday. They're not scheduled to hit.

Jordan Matthews is expected to be sidelined a few days with a sore knee.