Pederson said Saturday he would “test” Wentz by having him throw a bit during an afternoon practice, and the team is still eyeing the September 1 preseason finale as a possible return date for the rookie.
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At this point Wentz is still essentially ruled out for the team’s preseason game this upcoming Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts, but Pederson left the door open for the quarterback to play in the preseason finale against the New York Jets.
Another injured player Pederson said he won’t rush back is receiver Jordan Matthews (knee), whom the Eagles’ head coach said is still day to day.
Meaning Matthews, the team’s top receiver, might miss the entire preseason. The result was a hairline fracture in his ribs, and it’s been reported that he will likely be sidelined for game action the rest of the preseason.
That said, he had also made it known that he wanted the rookie to be “starter ready” in time for Week 1 of the regular season – a notion that is extremely far fetched at this time. “He’s on track. His recovery is doing well and I do expect him opening day”.
“Most of these preseason games, I might have gotten like one or two drives and been out anyway”, said Matthews.
Pederson confirmed backup linebacker Joe Walker’s ACL tear and that the rookie is out for the season.
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As for kicker Caleb Sturgis, who was hit in the head with a football and suffered a concussion prior to the team’s game against the Steelers, he is not expected to practice Saturday. On Saturday, Pederson said the rookie running back was held out, not because of a setback, because he just couldn’t hit “that fifth gear”.
