Doug Pederson disputed the notion that the Eagles changed their decision on Josh Huff this week, insisting that he always left open the possibility that Huff would be disciplined and that he did not need to be persuaded into releasing the wide receiver.
When Pederson met with reporters on Wednesday _ one day after Huff's arrest for gun and drug charges _ he said that Huff would play on Sunday against the New York Giants. When Pederson spoke on Friday in his first public comments since Huff's dismissal on Thursday, he emphasized that the Eagles were still in the information-gathering process on Wednesday and that he was on board with the decision to release Huff.
"Let's go back and kind of re-live the events: I said that we were going to get more information," Pederson said. "We were going to make a collective decision, and that's what we did. ... I truly believe that's the right way to handle this, just to dialogue, have communication and do the best thing for the Philadelphia Eagles."
No decision had been made on Wednesday, which was why Huff practiced with the team and Pederson proceeded as if Huff would play. Owner Jeffrey Lurie even embraced Huff at practice. Pederson said the Eagles needed to stay "business as usual" until they reached a final decision. The "circumstances" changed after Pederson, Lurie, Roseman, and president Don Smolenski all met to decide to release Huff.
"I'm in charge of the football team, but the fact of the matter is that myself, Howie, Mr. Lurie and Don Smolenski _ the four of us _ had made this decision," Pederson said. "So we were all equally on board with this. So that was my involvement. That was my decision on it."
When Pederson spoke Wednesday, he also mentioned being a "father figure" to the players. He said Friday he will "continue to love on Josh and help him every way I can," but he thought he made the best move for the team.
Pederson spoke to the team's leadership council on Friday. He told them it was not a "spur of the moment" decision. He does not believe there is a problem in the locker room.
After linebacker Nigel Bradham's two arrests, Pederson and the Eagles did not impose any discipline. Pederson said every incident is viewed on an individual basis, and the Huff decision will not factor into what the Eagles will do if or when another player encounters legal trouble.
Pederson is also tasked with replacing Huff on the field. Wide receiver Bryce Treggs will be active for the first time on Sunday, although Pederson indicated that his plan had been to play Treggs regardless of Huff's status. Huff played 29 percent of the snaps in the first seven games. Treggs will get some of that playing time, but it will also be distributed to the other wide receivers, tight ends, and Darren Sproles. Kenjon Barner will take Huff's spot on the kickoff return units.
