Eagles QB Carson Wentz Returning For Start Of 2018 Season Considered “Realistic”

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Eagles QB Carson Wentz will begin weight-bearing exercises with his brace unlocked for the first time since being placed on injured reserve, which is a significant step in his rehab from a torn ACL and LCL.

Rapoport explains that had Wentz suffered a simple ACL tear, he would already be out of a brace. However, with the damage to his lateral collateral ligament, it has forced Wentz to take more of a conservative approach and in turn, led to a longer rehab.

Several sources with knowledge of the situation have told Rapoport that it’s “realistic” to believe Wentz will be ready in time for the start of the 2018 season. Although, it’s by no means a guarantee.

Last week, Wentz told reporters on Friday that he believes he’ll be ready for the start of the 2018 season, despite tearing both his ACL and LCL, per Jeff McLane.

“So after we went in there and everything, it was actually the ACL and the LCL,” Wentz explained when asked if he tore more than just the ACL, per McLane. “I’m still feeling confident with it. The rehab — it’s the same type of progression and everything. It’s gone great so far.”

As for his timetable to return, Wentz said: “It’s hard to talk timetables because these are always fluid injuries and timetables always adjust depending upon where you’re at. But I feel very confident. I truly believe my goal is to be ready for Week 1.”

Wentz said that he won’t change how he plays the game, despite the serious knee he injury sustained last year. Wentz added that he doesn’t think the LCL tear will extend his rehab, per McLane.

Wentz was a clear MVP candidate at the time he was placed on injured reserve in December.

Wentz, 24, is a former first-round pick of the Eagles back in 2016. He’s currently in the second year of his four-year, $26.7 million contract that included a $16.7 million signing bonus.

Wentz stands to make base salaries of $2.87 million and $4.08 million over the next two years of the agreement.

In 2017, Wentz appeared in 13 games for the Eagles and threw for 3,296 yards while completing 60.2 percent of his passes to go along with 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 299 yards.

We’ll have more regarding Wentz as the news is available.