As Foles readies, Wentz weighs more cautious plan
Training camp ended Tuesday for the Eagles, and not quietly. Just say the quarterback drama is heating up. Nick Foles, a few days away from preseason action against the evil empire of Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, doesn’t feel as disrespected by the GOAT’s post-game snub after defeating him in Super Bowl LII as fans do. Brady didn’t congratulate the MVP Foles, shake his hand or offer any other public display of respect. It’s the only indignity Jason Kelce missed in his raucous, “We’re from Philly, no one likes us, we don’t care,” victory parade speech.
“I think everybody’s making a really big deal out of this, and it’s not a big deal at all,” Foles said Tuesday. “I’ve already talked to him before. He’s a guy that I’ve always looked up to. You’ve got to admire someone who’s probably the greatest ever and still going strong. Even at his age he seems to get better and better.”
Photographers alert: Foles and Brady have a chance to exchange pleasantries before the preseason rematch Thursday night at Foxboro.
The 41-year-old Brady didn’t play in the preseason opener for the Patriots but has said he will play against the Eagles.
After Foles did his thing, which again concluded with a vow to do whatever was asked of him this season, starter or otherwise, Carson Wentz had his presser.
Barely audible at times, thanks to rain showers and noisy autograph seekers outside the tent, Wentz sounded like he’s prepared to fall short of his ambitious goal to be back in the starting lineup by opening day.
“I think throughout this whole injury I’ve learned a lot about myself,” said Wentz, who had the ACL and LCL in his left knee reconstructed. “How to just surrender control. I’m not in control of everything. I can’t control everything. I’ve really learned a lot about myself and how to be patient and just surrender to the Lord’s will.”
While Foles has taken the firstteam snaps with the offense, Wentz has been limited to busy work, including 7-on-7s. Even the news that Wentz could participate in 11-on-11 drills next week is dependent on a good medical report.
“I think right now the plan is hopefully, next week, we can hopefully progress and go back to 11on-11,” Wentz said. “The last hurdle is being cleared for contact. I’ll still be wearing the red jersey so there won’t be contact in practice.”
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson wouldn’t rule out Wentz’s bid to start the first game. But he didn’t come off like it was a real consideration, at least at this point.
Pederson said Eagles coaches and doctors would meet this weekend to discuss the next step for Wentz. He also indicated the minimum practice requirement to start the opener would be “a full week of preparation.”
“You would love to have more,” Pederson said. “And those are the things we’ll evaluate come this weekend. I’m going to take it day by day. I am going to evaluate it this weekend. I’m going to see where he is at. 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.”
Later Pederson said it was important the starting quarterback gets into preseason action to “maintain timing and rhythm, get in that environment with crowd noise, another team.” Which is what Foles will do Thursday night.
“For how long I don’t know,” Pederson said. “But I do expect him to get a few plays in this game.”
In essence, it’s not how Wentz’s knee feels, but rather what the doctors think, that counts. And clearing Wentz to play nine months after the injury may be pushing it.
“Ultimately, it’s not my call, it’s the doctors,” Wentz said. “I’ve been about the same. The whole time I knew (being cleared for opener was) going to be close. I try not to play the ‘what if’ game. It’s out of my control. It’s felt great. Honestly, it’s felt great throughout the offseason rehabbing.”
*** Pederson questioned the validity of a report that wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, who had a torn rotator cuff surgically repaired, would start the season on PUP. That would sideline Jeffery for the first six weeks.
“It’s day to day,” Pederson said. “We’re happy with where he’s at and we’ll continue to do that. I’m not sure where that came from.”
*** Elsewhere on the injury front, wide receiver Nelson Agholor (hamstring) and running back Corey Clement (hamstring) aren’t going to do much more through preseason beyond rehab, per Pederson.
“We just want to make sure they’re ready for Week 1,” Pederson said.
Agholor and Clement, who returned a punt 13 yards last week, also are big special teams contributors.
***
Brandon Graham, who led the Eagles with 9 1/2 sacks last year, hasn’t practiced as he rehabs from ankle surgery.
That could change in the near future.
“He’s another one we will evaluate this weekend and see where he is at,” Pederson said. “And we’ll go from there.”
Defensive tackle Tim Jernigan, who had back surgery, barely has been seen in the locker room, much less the practice field.
Jernigan has declined comment on his status.