Carson Wentz’s back injury means Nick Foles gets another opportunity to rescue the Philadelphia Eagles.
Eagles coach Doug Pederson on Friday said that Wentz does not require surgery for a stress fracture in his back and that the injury could take up to three months to heal.
The quarterback was listed as “doubtful” for tonight’s game at the Los Angeles Rams and is scheduled to travel with the team. Foles was not available to speak to reporters, but teammates expect the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (MVP) to start.
“He’s the guy and it’s my job to create as much separation for him, or if he gives me an opportunity and I am covered, go get it,” wide receiver Nelson Agholor said after practice.
Pederson was optimistic about Wentz’s recovery.
“The fact that he doesn’t need surgery on this is the best news you could possibly have on anybody that has a stress fracture or stress injury,” Pederson said.
He would not rule him out for this week or the rest of this season. The Eagles (6-7) are still in the chase for a playoff spot.
“If we put him out there, there has to be 100 percent that there’s no risk of anything further,” Pederson added.
The team was not certain when Wentz got hurt and Pederson said that the injury developed over time.
A test on Tuesday revealed his condition.
“He’s one of the toughest dudes I know, but of course it’s going to affect him,” wide receiver Jordan Matthews said after Thursday’s practice. “You have to be able to twist, you have to be able to turn. Carson is probably the best quarterback also throwing off the run, so that affects your running, too. He’s wearing a knee brace. This guy is playing through a lot.”
Foles has not taken a snap in a game since Week 2. He took over in Week 14 last season after Wentz tore two ligaments in his left knee during a comeback win on the road against the Rams.
Foles led Philadelphia to its first NFL title since 1960 and started the first two games this season, going 1-1.
“Nick is a Super Bowl MVP quarterback for a reason and we’ve got a ton of confidence that he’s going to give it his all like he always does,” said tight end Zach Ertz, who caught the winning touchdown pass from Foles in Philadelphia’s 41-33 win over New England in February.
Foles is 21-12 as a starter, including playoffs, in two stints with Philadelphia. He has completed 65.9 percent of his passes for 451 yards, one touchdown and one interception this season.
He was outstanding last post-season, completing 72.6 percent of his passes for 971 yards, six touchdowns, one pick and also had a touchdown catch.
“I’m not going to compare,” Agholor said. “It’s two different situations.”
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