The Philadelphia Eagles are taking things slowly with star defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. Cox has been suited up at training camp but isn't participating in any team drills as he recovers from a foot injury, per Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Cox injured his foot in the team's playoff loss to the Saints last season and had surgery on it a couple of weeks after.

“It was a little bit of a different offseason for me,” said Cox. “I’ve just tried to be smart about it and follow the plan. I was able to go home [to Yazoo City, Mississippi] and train with my actual trainer (Dallas-based Deon Hodges), and prepare myself to get ready.”

Even though the injury has been lingering, Cox said that everything is going according to plan.

“Everything is on schedule. I just need to keep following what the [Eagles] trainers tell me to do.”

Cox is one of the best defensive tackles in the league, and Philly added another stud this offseason in Malik Jackson to play alongside him.

“I haven’t taken a snap with Malik since he’s been here,’’ Cox said. “But I know that time is coming. He’s excited about it and I know I’m excited about it. We’ll just see what we learn.’’

Cox's trainer said that he understands he needs to not push himself too much.

“He’s focused on the proper recovery,’’ Hodges said. “It’s going to be a gradual process. The important thing now for him is to not rush anything and be honest about how you’re feeling, and understanding that it’s a crockpot effect. Slow-cooking.’’

Cox might be the best tackle in the league outside of Aaron Donald, and the Eagles need him at full-strength. If they're going to make another playoff run, Cox is going to have to be a huge part of it.