Carson Wentz Injury: Updates on Eagles QB's Ribs and Return

Mike ChiariAug 13, 2016

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz suffered a rib injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 11 but is ready return to the field.

Continue for updates.

Wentz to Start vs. Browns

Monday, Sept. 5

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson announced on Monday that Wentz will start the regular-season opener against Cleveland on Sunday.

"I'm excited. I'm thrilled. It's an opportunity for him and an opportunity for our football team," Pederson told reporters. "This is why we drafted [Wentz]. He's ready to go."

Latest on Wentz's Practice Status

Monday, Sept. 5

Pederson declared Wentz 100 percent healthy after the QB worked with the first team during Monday's session.

Pederson Comments on Wentz's Injury Status

Monday, Aug. 29

Pederson told reporters, "Wentz had a CT scan, and there's only 60 percent healing in one rib," according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Pederson previously released a statement on Aug. 13:

"
Carson felt some discomfort and soreness as we began this morning's practice. We decided to limit him throughout the remainder of practice and, as a precaution, sent him for a CT scan after practice. The scan revealed a hairline fracture in his ribs. We do not know an exact timetable for his return, but we hope to have him back before the end of the preseason.
"

Wentz Comments on Rib Injury

Monday, Aug. 22

Wentz told reporters he will throw Monday despite Pederson previously stating he would not. The quarterback added that he doesn't feel pain during daily activity and is aiming to return for the final preseason game.

"I'm feeling all right," Wentz told the media on Aug. 14. "The ribs are obviously a little sore, but they’ll be all right in due time here. I just got to give it time."

ESPN.com's Phil Sheridan provided additional comments from Wentz, who stated he still hopes to play before the preseason ends:

"
I really hope so. Heck, I'd love to play tomorrow. That's how I am. We'll have to see what the doctors say. ...
I'll have to be cleared for game situations and live contact. We just know contact is limited for a while. The goal is hopefully in preseason I'll be ready to go, but you never know with these things. We'll have to see.
"

Wentz's Durability Already an Issue After 1st Game

Philadelphia has been in search of a long-term answer under center ever since the departure of Donovan McNabb after the 2009 season. The Eagles believe they got one when they traded up to select Wentz with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft.

While most quarterbacks taken that early are expected to step in and start immediately, Philly vowed to take a more cautious approach with Wentz, especially with veteran Chase Daniel already on the roster.

But Wentz, a former North Dakota State standout, is already dealing with the first injury of his NFL career. Aside from playing in the Football Championship Subdivision, perhaps the biggest knock on Wentz coming out of college was his durability.

Wentz missed eight games with a broken wrist last season, and while he completed the year in impressive fashion by helping the Bison win the FCS championship, the Eagles can't afford to have Wentz regularly sidelined with injuries after they gave up five picks to get him. Although Wentz has been deemed healthy and announced as the starter, it will be interesting to see how he responds if he gets hit during the regular-season opener and if he'll have a short leash.

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