Jeffery ‘Getting Closer,’ RBs Set to Return to Practice

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - The Eagles ailing receiving corps is expected to get some significant help in the next week or two with the return of Alson Jeffery.

Jeffery is "getting closer," according to coach Doug Pederson at his Monday afternoon press conference but the veteran wideout has still not cleared for contact as he attempts to return from offseason rotator-cuff surgery.

Pederson also indicated he expected to have running backs Jay Ajayi (back) and Darren Sproles (hamstring), who both missed Sunday's 20-16 win over Indianapolis, back at practice this week "barring any setbacks." Meanwhile, the team is still evaluating starting safety Rodney McLeod, who was forced to leave the game against the Colts with a knee injury, and expect to know more about his status by the time practice for Tennessee begins on Wednesday.

The skill positions on offense have been marred by injuries early this season and Pederson acknowledged that the defense has been carrying things during Philadelphia's 2-1 start as the offense searches for an identity, something that figures to ramp up now that star quarterback Carson Wentz is back in the mix.

"Defense and special teams kind of carry the load early in the season and our offense kind of plays catch-up just a little bit,” Pederson said. “And when the offense catches its stride, then you’ve got a good thing going."

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973espn.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen