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Doug Pederson has not made a decision about resting key players, hints he'll play Nick Foles vs. Dallas Cowboys

Doug Pederson said Nick Foles need playing time. Pederson also wants to get Nate Sudfeld some game action

Eagles coach Doug Pederson and quarterback Nick Foles talk late in the fourth quarter Monday night.
Eagles coach Doug Pederson and quarterback Nick Foles talk late in the fourth quarter Monday night.Read moreCLEM MURRAY / Staff Photographer

Doug Pederson has not made a decision about whether he will rest key Eagles on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys in a game that has no postseason implications for either team, but he hinted that the starters will play at least some of the game — including quarterback Nick Foles. Pederson said Tuesday he will make the decision later in the week.

"It's going to be day-to-day, quite honestly," Pederson said. "Obviously, injuries play a factor in that. You're only limited to 46 and you can only put seven guys down. So if you do the math, some of your starters will have to play."

The player who will be in focus the most is Foles, who Pederson said needs some playing time. The Eagles must keep Foles healthy, but Foles has started only two games this season and struggled in Monday's win over the Oakland Raiders. So there's benefit in playing him to give him more time to develop a rapport with the rest of the offense. Pederson said he cannot make a decision on Foles with the fear of injury.

"If that's the approach, I would have rested him last night, quite honestly. I can't worry about that," Pederson said. "I've got to get him as many reps as he can and then be smart about it. Obviously, we have a lot of football left. Our season is really just beginning, quite honestly. We'll be smart."

Pederson indicated he would like to get backup Nate Sudfeld some work. Sudfeld has not yet played in a game for the Eagles. That would mean that Foles will be relieved on Sunday at some point. Foles will definitely be active because the Eagles have only two quarterbacks and don't sound interested in adding a third one.

Sunday would seem to be a good chance for players low on the depth chart to get playing time and treating the game almost like the fourth preseason game. Although it could look like that come the fourth quarter, Pederson was cautious about making it seem the Eagles would treat this week as if it's August.

"I can't look at it, the players can't look at it, like a preseason game," Pederson said. "We don't have the luxury of 90 guys. Can't rest half the team. It's still full-steam ahead. We've got to get ready for the Cowboys."