One rib still damaged, Carson Wentz won't play Thursday

Share

Carson Wentz’s preseason is over.
 
Because one of his ribs isn’t completely healed Wentz won’t play in the Eagles’ preseason finale on Thursday, the rookie quarterback said.
 
According to head coach Doug Pederson, a CT scan revealed that Wentz’s 10th rib on his right side is completely healed but the 11th is just at 60 percent.
 
When asked if that means Wentz won’t play, Pederson said, “If he’s 60 percent with that rib, probably not.”
 
The No. 2 overall pick hurt his ribs when he took a shot late in the first preseason game against the Bucs back on Aug. 11. He hadn’t practiced in full since then, but has worked out and went through a lengthy pregame workout on Saturday. Pederson said Wentz is still sore from Saturday’s workout. Wentz was back in practice with a helmet on Monday. 
 
For now, the plan is to continue to rehab Wentz by giving him more and more over time.
 
“Obviously, where we are this late in the process as far as training camp goes, it definitely hurts from a young quarterback standpoint, his position to fully grasp and understand the offense,” Pederson said. “But again, I just go back to what I see in the classroom, what I see off the field. His work habit here, his work ethic here, and just what he knows and what he understands.”
 
Pederson also said he’s a little less concerned because of where Wentz is on the depth chart. The plan all along was to have Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel ahead of Wentz.
 
Still, Wentz missed a ton of reps. And it’s not really feasible to replace them.
 
“It’s hard in the regular season to replace those types of reps,” Pederson said, “because our focus is with the ones and the starters, getting them ready to go offensively and defensively.”

As far as other injured players, Jordan Matthews returned to practice on Monday. He won't play on Thursday but said his knee feels fine. Isaac Seumalo is day to day; Pederson said the team won't put him out there until he's healthy. Wendell Smallwood is in the NFL's concussion protocol. Vinny Curry (knee) and Taylor Hart (knee, ankle) are expected to be ready for the season opener. Cornerback Aaron Grymes (shoulder) said he won't practice this week and won't be able to play on Thursday. 

 

Contact Us