He is learning the slot, maybe they just knew he would see more time with the 2s and think he needs more reps. He already has chemistry with EJ...yada yada....
It might also be he doesn't have a great attitude this year, maybe didn't want to go in the slot and was disappointed with the Sammy pick (and the MW trade that went with it). He won't say that stuff or shouldn't anyways...So far as EJ's support of Woods and surprise at Hogan being out there, well, maybe they didn't want to tell him, they may think he relies on Woods too much for the best interests of the team and scheme or another way of saying that, that he always get EJ's eyes instead of going through his designed progressions. I am not worried about this "issue" yet. Coaching is up to the coach, they don't or shouldn't worry about butt hurt fans and press and just do what they think they should do. At this point I am fine with that and honestly I kind dislike (hate is too strong of a word) Hogan (Mr. NotYAC just like Nelson was), they should try Rosie in the slot with the ones IMO . Now there is a natural slot guy.