Foles, Peterman to start openers
Sam Darnold wasn’t the only quarterback officially getting the starting nod Monday.
With Carson Wentz still not cleared for contact, the Eagles named Nick Foles the quarterback for their season opener against the Falcons on Thursday and the Bill tapped Nathan Peterman to be under center Sunday against the Ravens.
Eagles coach Doug Pederson made the announcement one day after a testy exchange with reporters in which he insisted he wanted to wait.
“In the best interest of everything about the football team and this decision, Nick Foles is the starter Week 1,” Pederson said.
Wentz is still coming back from surgery last December to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee. He didn’t play in the preseason. Foles was the Super Bowl MVP in Philadelphia’s win over the Patriots.
In Buffalo, Peterman is expected to hold the position until first-round pick Josh Allen is deemed ready. The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported former Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch will work out for the Bills on Tuesday after clearing waivers Monday.
“Nate has earned the right,” coach Sean McDermott said, noting he based his evaluation on how Peterman has performed and handled himself since the spring. “I’ve been impressed with his mental toughness, his command of the offense and the way he’s generated yards and point in the preseason.”
STEELERS: Le’Veon Bell was nowhere to be found at the Steelers’ practice Monday. He still hasn’t signed his one-year, $14.5 million franchise tender or given any indication on when he might show up.
COWBOYS: Travis Frederick will not go on injured reserve initially as he battles a condition that affects the nervous system, although the Cowboys still don’t have a timetable for the return of their four-time Pro Bowl center.
Coach Jason Garrett said Frederick hasn’t had any “drastic setbacks” while getting treated for GuillainBarre syndrome.
SEAHAWKS: Earl Thomas’ contentious holdout from Seattle continued Monday, meaning Shaquill Griffin and Dontae Johnson are the expected starting cornerbacks, and Tedric Thompson and Bradley McDougald are the likely starting safeties for the opener Sunday against the Broncos.