NEWSLETTER
Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Doug Pederson silenced concerns regarding the health and playing status of quarterback Nick Foles early in the week, but there hasn’t been much of an update regarding fellow quarterback Carson Wentz. Until today, of course.
#PHIvsCHI Status Report
Out- LB Alexander (hamstring), CB Jones (hamstring), WR Wallace (ankle), QB Wentz (back)
Questionable- DE Bennett (foot), CB Maddox (oblique), T Peters (quadricep), G Seumalo (chest)
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 4, 2019
Wentz (back), linebacker D.J. Alexander (hamstring), cornerback Sidney Jones (hamstring), and wide receiver Mike Wallace (ankle) were ruled OUT for Sunday’s game against the Bears. The Eagles also listed tackle Jason Peters (quadricep), guard Isaac Seumalo (chest), defensive end Michael Bennett (foot), and cornerback Avonte Maddox (oblique) as questionable.
The return of the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft continues to be pushed back as he deals with a stress fracture in his back. Just typing that sentence pained me. Wentz started 11 games and threw for 3,074 yards, 21 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and posted a 102.2 passer rating, but the Eagles put up a 5-6 record while he was starting under center. In Wentz’s absence, Foles pushed the team into the postseason with a three-game run that was nothing short of magical. Foles averaged 320.7 passing yards per game, threw twice as many touchdowns (6) as he did interceptions (3), and posted a sparkling 108.4 passer rating. Not bad!
This leaves Nate Sudfeld – who has throw a grand total of two passes this year – as Foles’ backup.
As for the players who figure to play in Sunday’s game, Bennett and Seumalo were full participants in Friday’s practice and are expected to start. And even though Peters and Maddox were limited, both figure to play on Sunday. So while we mentioned at the top that Foles is expected to play despite dealing with injured ribs, we’re still looking at two teams as close to full strength as they could be at this point of the season.
