The Mercury News

Wentz injured in Philly’s clincher

- By Bernie Wilson

LOS ANGELES >> The Philadelph­ia Eagles might have lost star quarterbac­k Carson Wentz for the rest of the season even as they clinched the NFC East title.

Wentz threw for 291 yards and four touchdowns before leaving with an injured left knee, and Jake Elliott kicked the go-ahead 33-yard field goal with 3:45 left for the Eagles, who beat the Los Angeles Rams 4335 in a thriller Sunday to clinch their first division title since 2013.

Two sources said that doctors believe Wentz has torn his left ACL and will miss the rest of the season and playoffs.

“I don’t know anything yet until we evaluate him fully tomorrow,” said coach Doug Pederson, adding that Wentz will have an MRI today. “It’s just a report. You’re speculatin­g that he’s going to be out. I was really blocked on the play so I’ve got to check out the tape tonight on the way home. He did get up a little hobbly. I knew something was up but didn’t know the extent of it, obviously.”

Wentz had a brace on his left knee as he was driven up the tunnel at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on a golf cart. He got off and hobbled about 30 feet to one of the team buses.

Asked about Wentz’s mood, Pederson said: “He’s excited. NFC East champs, he’s fired up.”

Wentz was hit hard as he dived into the end zone on a play that was called back because of holding. He stayed in the game and threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Alshon Jeffery four plays later to give the Eagles a 31-28 lead.

Nick Foles replaced Wentz on the next drive and led Philadelph­ia to victory.

“The guy’s really rallied. It means a lot to this team, it means a lot to me. Excited we’re NFC East champs but it’s emotional, a guy you work with every day who you think the world of, you know I think he’s the MVP; it’s not easy but I know this team will step up and rally no matter what.”

The NFC West-leading Rams led 35-31 on Todd Gurley’s second short TD run.

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