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Doug Pederson doesn’t rule out idea of using Jordan Mailata as a running back

New York Jets v Philadelphia Eagles

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 30: Obum Gwacham #57 of the New York Jets rushes into Jordan Mailata #68 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter during the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 30, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Jets 10-9. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

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Rookie tackle Jordan Mailata has yet to make his regular season NFL debut for the Philadelphia Eagles. The former Australian Rugby League star is playing his first year of American football and made a positive impression in the preseason despite his incredible inexperience with the game.

However, his prior rugby experience makes for an intriguing possibility as a ball carrier at some point down the line as well. It’s a possibility Eagles head coach Doug Pederson hasn’t shot down.

He’s definitely used to carrying a larger football. Do they call it a football? I don’t know what they call it,” Pederson said, via Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia. “Very athletic guy. It’s intriguing. It’s not out of the question.”

At 6-foot-8, 346 pounds, Mailata would be one of the largest players to ever carry a football in a running back capacity. He’s not going to take a job from Darren Sproles, Corey Clement or Wendell Smallwood any time soon. Any chance he’d be used as a running back would likely be highly specialized situations as well.

Nevertheless, it’s a fun idea to consider and Pederson is just the type of coach that would give it a shot if the right opportunity were to present itself.