QB Wentz iffy for opener ‘Big Ben’ in concussion protocol
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz said he expects to participate in 11-on-11 drills next week, but it’s uncertain whether he’ll be ready for the season opener.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles host the Falcons on Sept. 6. Wentz’s goal since having surgery in December to repair torn anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his left knee has been to be ready for that game.
‘‘It’s no secret that it’s going to be close,’’ Wentz said after the Eagles completed training camp Tuesday. ‘‘We’ve seen where I’m at in camp, and hopefully next week I’m doing 11-on-11s . . . . Ultimately, it’ll be up to the doctors.’’
The Eagles are in no rush to have Wentz return too soon. Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles is Wentz’s backup, and he’s ready to step in like he did late last season.
‘‘I’m going to take it day by day,’’ coach Doug Pederson said about Wentz’s status. ‘‘Medically, I am going to see where he is at because I’m going to trust our doctors. We’ll make a decision at some point.’’
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is in the concussion protocol after taking a hit in practice.
Teammates huddled in concern as Roethlisberger fell to the turf. Right tackle Marcus Gilbert said Roethlisberger was rolling to the right side on a goal-line play when he collided with Gilbert and linebacker Keion Adams.
Roethlisberger got up on his own power and talked with teammates and trainers, who eventually walked him out of the stadium. He appeared to leave the premises in a car.
WR Bryant to visit Browns
Free-agent receiver Dez Bryant is set to visit the Browns on Thursday. He was released by the Cowboys in April after eight seasons.
Bryant, 29, has shown interest in signing with the Browns, and receiver Jarvis Landry said Monday the team would welcome him with ‘‘open arms.’’
The Browns need receiving help because Josh Gordon is absent from camp to focus on his health. Gordon has played in only 10 games since 2013 because of drug violations.
Redskins release CB Scandrick
The Redskins released veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick. Scandrick signed a two-year deal with the Redskins in March after being cut by the Cowboys and had been practicing with the first team.