Darren Sproles, Michael Bennett absent from Eagles OTAs

The Philadelphia Eagles almost had full attendance at this weeks OTAs.

Finally, at last, the NFL offseason activities are kicking off. Just last week, the new rookies and select veterans wrapped up mini-camp. This week, the majority of every team’s 90-man roster will be in attendance for voluntary OTAs. For the Philadelphia Eagles, they will host 88 of their 90 invited veterans and rookies at the Nova Care Complex.

The Eagles opened up the podium for Head Coach Doug Pederson on Tuesday morning before workouts. Obviously, one of the first questions had something to do with the expected attendance. Pederson made it known that he is aware of who will be there, and who doesn’t plan on being there.

Who are the odd men out?

Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane reported from the Nova Care Complex that the two veterans who opted out of OTAs this week are Darren Sproles and Michael Bennett. The absence of Sproles is far from a surprise. The veteran running back was hardly in attendance for voluntary offseason programs last year as well. Also, he is most likely finishing up some rehabbing on his torn ACL. There’s a good chance that we won’t see Sproles back in Philly until events are mandatory.

As for Bennett, the veteran defensive end doesn’t seem like the type of guy who is eager to attend voluntary events. The proven All-Pro is most likely waiting for the pads to get on, although Coach Pederson is optimistic about him showing up at some point.

Next: Which notable veterans are on the chopping block?

Pederson made it clear that the Eagles aren’t worried about Bennett not getting acclimated with his new team. There is plenty of time this summer for the veteran to learn the defense and learn how to work with his teammates around him. If the coaching staff isn’t worried, then the fan base shouldn’t lose sleep over it. After all, it is voluntary.