Stress fracture shelves Wentz; Foles steps up
PHILADELPHIA — Carson Wentz’s back injury means Nick Foles gets another opportunity to rescue the Philadelphia Eagles.
Coach Doug Pederson said Friday that Wentz does not require surgery for a stress fracture in his back —an injury that could take up to three months to heal. The quarterback is listed as “doubtful” for Sunday night’s game against the Rams at Los Angeles and is scheduled to travel with the team.
Pederson is 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 wouldn’t 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.
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 victory 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.
Giants’ Beckham sidelined again
New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. will miss his second consecutive game with a quad injury.
Coach Pat Shurmur said the NFL’s highest-paid receiver will not play against Tennessee on Sunday.
Beckham did not practice the last two days after being limited Wednesday.
Odds and ends
Oakland wide receiver Martavis Bryant was suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL policy on substance abuse. The NFL announced that Bryant violated the terms of his conditional reinstatement in April 2017 and was placed back on the suspended list for an indefinite period of time. Bryant currently is on injured reserve with a knee injury. … Tennessee will be without outside linebacker Brian Orakpo for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. Orakpo hurt his elbow last week against Jacksonville and did not practice all week. The Titans also added quarterback Marcus Mariota to the injury report with an abdomen problem. … Seattle rookie running back Rashaad Penny was ruled out of Sunday’s game at San Francisco with a knee injury. Linebacker K.J. Wright and safety Maurice Alexander also were listed as out. … Buffalo running back LeSean McCoy is questionable for Sunday’s game against Detroit. He suffered a hamstring injury against the New York Jets last weekend and missed practice on Wednesday before being limited the past two days. … NFL interception co-leader Xavien Howard is doubtful for Miami’s game at Minnesota. The cornerback missed last week’s game against New England with a left knee injury and did not practice this week.