Carson Wentz Named Week Three Starter for Philadelphia

Members of the Wentzylvanian Empire rejoice! Carson Wentz has been cleared to return to game action. Philadelphia coach Doug  Pederson went as far as naming Wentz the week three starter.

On December 10th of last season, Wentz tore two major ligaments in his left knee against the Los Angeles Rams while diving into the end zone. Three days later, Wentz went under the knife. Nick Foles, the Eagles backup quarterback, went on to lead the Eagles to their first Super Bowl championship in 58 years over the New England Patriots. Foles was also named the games Most Valuable Player.

Last season, Wentz set an Eagles single-season record with 33 touchdown passes. The 2016 second overall pick finished third in the MVP race. Many around the NFL believed, if healthy, Wentz would have beaten out Tom Brady for the award.

The Eagles are welcoming Wentz back with open arms. Philly stands at 1-1. The team struggled in their 27-21 loss last Sunday to Tampa Bay. Wentz’s return should spark some life into the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Coach Pederson believes Wentz is ready to go, especially after all the offseason work he put in. Wentz was seen prior to Sunday’s loss throwing 50-yard passes with ease. Word around the team is that Wentz is moving fluidly. During Wentz’s recovery, he has long been said to be ahead of schedule. Rightfully so, the Eagles remained cautious. Wentz could have played in the first two games of Philly’s season, but with a backup of Foles’ caliber, the team decided to ease Wentz into action. Now that Wentz is back, he looks to recapture his MVP form from last season.

Coach Pederson does not anticipate changing his game plan with Wentz back in the starting lineup.

“The thing is, I’m not going to coach scared, I’m not going to coach paranoid, I’m not going to go in thinking, ‘Oh no, we can’t do this or we can’t do that,’ we just have to continue to go play and I’ve got to coach that way.”

Upon his return, Wentz will be without top receiver Alshon Jeffery. Jeffery has been sidelined due to offseason shoulder surgery. According to Pederson, Jeffery is still week to week.

It will be interesting to see if Wentz can recapture his high caliber play from last season. His first test will come in front of the Philly faithful at Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday.