As Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz continues his rehabilitation from a torn ACL, he’s been medically cleared to participate in 11-on-11 drills, per Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
The news isn’t a complete surprise, as Wentz had been expected to be cleared at some point over the next week. But the revelation is undoubtedly a positive, especially given that Eagles head coach Doug Pederson recently said Wentz would need to participate in at least a week’s worth of 11-on-11 work in order to suit up for Week 1. However, as Wentz said earlier this week, there is no guarantee he’ll be ready for Philadelphia’s season opener.
“I obviously would love to be out there,” Wentz said. “That’s been my goal all offseason ever since the injury. It’s going to be close. It’s going to be close. I’m still eyeing that date. At the end of the day, it’s not just my decision. There’s coaches and doctors that really have the final say. I really like where I’m at and time will tell here.”
Wentz has yet to be cleared for contact, the next step in his recovery, but the Eagles have options at the ready if he’s not available for Week 1. Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles is dealing with a shoulder injury but isn’t expected to miss extended time, and he’d fill in if Wentz misses any regular season action. Philadelphia also has Nate Sudfeld, Joe Callahan, and Christian Hackbenerg on its roster.
The absolute worst thing Philly can do is rush Wentz back, like it says in the Hunter Henry article ACL injuries take minimum 9 months. Week 1 is right around the 9 month mark, he’s your franchise QB I would be very careful especially since Foles has proved he can fill in.
I could understand rushing him back if they didn’t have Foles. Since they know Foles can easily fill in for 2-3 weeks I agree there is no need to rush him back
I agree. If I were the Eagles, I’d hold Wentz out until week six or so. He’s got at least another decade to play. Six games isn’t much in the grand scheme of things.
That said, I know Carson from his days at NDSU. He’s an incredible leader and competitor. It’ll be hard to hold him back.
On a side note, The NDSU Bison have won five out of the last six FCS Championships. This season, they’ll make it six out of seven. Roll Bison!!!