NO DR. DOUG
Pederson says Wentz is close, but doesn’t know when starting QB will return
PHILADELPHIA » Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said Tuesday that quarterback Carson Wentz is “close” to being ready to play in Week 2.
“I mean, I’m no doctor, no expert,” Pederson said. “I’m still leaving it up to the medical team. He’s had some great workouts here in the last few days. We’ll see.”
Take that for what it’s worth because Pederson claims he hadn’t decided on a starting quarterback until Monday. His players knew who the starter was Sunday. The NFL Network reported Saturday Foles would start the opener Thursday against Atlanta at Lincoln Financial Field.
Pederson also said the choice to start Foles over Wentz wasn’t his decision at all, but a medical edict. In essence, Pederson’s decision was whether to start Foles or Nate Sudfeld, the No. 3 quarterback.
Clearly, Pederson is on his own little planet when it comes to discussing the quarterback point. At some point the fairy tale stories are going to wear on a player with a strong personality such as Wentz, a perfectionist who wants things done his way.
“I’d say from the athlete perspective he’s probably disappointed he’s missing a football game,” Pederson said of Wentz. “This is why sometimes my emotions kind of get stirred up. Because a lot of times you don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. Nor do you need to know. But Carson’s in a great spot, man. He’s in a great spot right now. He’s supportive. He understands. He knows exactly where he’s at. He works every single day to get back on the field and that’s all I can ask for.”
Pederson, you may remember, did the walk of shame to the podium Monday to announce that Foles would start the opener. On Sunday Pederson threw a fit when asked about the NFL Network report, threatened to wait until 90 minutes before the game to announce a starter and told his players not to tell anyone. Obviously, some cooler head in the organization explained to the coach how ridiculous he’d made himself look.
That said, it’s hard to believe Pederson expected anyone to be believe his opening statement at the Tuesday presser.
“I’ll tell you what, obviously I’m not going to get into all the whys, the therefore and what went into this, what went into that,” Pederson said. “I made the decision. I’ve been in conversation, obviously, with both Carson and Nick this entire time, dating all the way back to spring. And, I made the decision yesterday. And both guys have embraced it and we’re getting focused and ready to play Atlanta.”
The Eagles were favored by 4 points over the Falcons during the preseason. With Foles as the starter, they’re now favored by 2 points. Eagles defensive end Michael Bennett (knee), and wide receivers Mack Hollins (groin) and Alshon Jeffery (shoulder) didn’t work Tuesday according to the official injury report.
Quarterback Carson Wentz (knee) was listed as limited. Running back Jay Ajayi (foot) was a full-go for the light practice.
The Falcons reported that longsnapper Josh Harris (hip) and cornerback Isaiah Oliver (ankle) were limited at practice. Guard Ben Garland (calf) and corner Blidi Wreh-Wilson (shoulder) didn’t practice.
The Eagles put tight end Richard Rodgers (knee) on injured reserve and signed wide receiver Markus Wheaton, who they cut Saturday.
Rodgers can return this season. Wheaton likely will be activated Thursday as Alshon Jeffery almost certainly will be scratched.
The Eagles also signed linebacker Joe Walker to the practice squad while linebacker Asantay Brown was cut from the practice squad.