NFL: Eagles to start Carson Wentz in opener
- Published
The Carson Wentz Era is now for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The No. 2 overall draft pick will start Week 1 against the Browns despite missing the final three preseason games after injuring his ribs in the opener.
“I’m very confident and I’m very excited to get this opportunity,” Wentz said Monday.
Coach Doug Pederson made the announcement two days after the Eagles traded Sam Bradford to the Vikings for a 2017 first-round pick and a 2018 conditional fourth-round pick.
“Everybody feels like this kid is ready to go,” Pederson said. “We drafted him to take on the reins. It’s something now that we’re prepared to do. He’s such a special guy. This stage is not too big for him.”
The Eagles traded up twice in the draft to select Wentz second overall. They recovered some of the draft picks they lost by dealing Bradford to the desperate Vikings, who lost Teddy Bridgewater for at least the 2016 season following a severe knee injury.
“It was right for this football team,” Pederson said of the blockbuster trade. “It’s something that we believe in. I believe in. This is why we drafted [Wentz]. Would an ideal situation be later than sooner? Sure. But right now, where we are, we’ve got a good football team around him. All the pieces are here for him to be successful and us to win some games.”
Chase Daniel, who signed a three-year, $21 million contract in the off-season to play behind Bradford and mentor Wentz, remains the backup.
“If I were Chase, I’d be disappointed,” Pederson said. “But he’s the ultimate team player.”
Wentz said he was lying down in a cornfield hunting geese when Pederson called him Saturday morning to tell him he’s been promoted from No. 3 quarterback to starter.
“I feel like I’ve earned respect just from how I go about my business, how I carry myself,” Wentz said. “There’s nothing different that I’ve got to do now. It’s still football.
“I’ve got to still be the same guy and just play ball, and I think those guys believe in me and I’m excited for it.”
Wentz started just 23 games at North Dakota State where he led the Bison to FCS national championships in both of his seasons. He was 12-of-24 for 89 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in his only preseason action against Tampa Bay on Aug. 11.
BOSA INJURED: Chargers DE Joey Bosa, who missed 31 days and the preseason because of a contract dispute, didn’t participate in the workout. Bosa, the third overall selection, watched the session with his left leg wrapped and he walked with a slight limp.
BRIEFS: The Dolphins are listing four-time Pro Bowl RB Arian Foster as their starter. … Justin Forsett was re-signed by the Ravens, who cut the former Pro Bowl running back Saturday. … Saints first-round DT Sheldon Rankins (broken fibula) was placed on the IR list. … The Bears finalized a three-year contract with free agent Pro Bowl OG Josh Sitton (Packers). … Free agent QB Johnny Manziel re-enrolled at Texas A&M after his NFL career was derailed by a series of off-the-field incidents.