The team wrapped up practice Wednesday morning, concluding day 6 of training camp for the reigning Super Bowl Champion Eagles. Which also marked the third straight practice day in which quarterback Carson Wentz did not take any snaps in 11-on-11 drills.
After participating in full-team drills three straight days last week, the sudden change in the quarterbacks usage made many Eagles fans concerned.
Did the team push him too quickly? Is their swelling in his knee? Are they prepping Nick Foles to be the week 1 starter?
Head coach Doug Perderson and Carson himself addressed these questions following Wednesday’s practice. Per NBC Sports Philadelphia Reuben Frank
“I’m very encouraged obviously where he’s at and what I saw last week is enough to ease my mind,” Pederson said. “I don’t need to see him in 11-on-11.”
It’s clear that Coach Pederson and his staff are not taking any chances. The last thing the Eagles need is for Wentz to step up in the pocket and have an offensive lineman shoved his way, leaving way for a potential re-injury.
Wentz himself, is trusting his rehab process.
“My understanding is that the coaches and trainers and everybody want me to stay in a controlled environment right now with everything, so that’s what we’re doing.” Said Wentz.
While the team is now 36 days out from their opening night game with the Atlanta Falcons, it is clear they are still airing on the side of caution with their franchise quarterback. Despite the teams lack of urgency to get Carson on the field for meaningful reps, Eagles Insider Reuben Frank is not concerned about his week 1 status.
“I'll be shocked if Carson doesn't play Week 1.” Said Frank.
As for the players that took part in full-team drills, they spent a good portion of the morning working on red zone offense. Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice reported that second round pick Dallas Goedert had four touchdowns in these red zone drills, working with the first-team offense for most of the day.
Kempski writes:
"On a corner route working against Sidney Jones, Nick Foles placed a high throw where only Goedert could get it, and Goedert make a one-handed grab that almost looked easy."
The Eagles hope the addition of Goedert, coupled with Zach Ertz will cause match up nightmares for opposing red zone defenses this season. The team is looking to improve on an already stellar red zone offense, a group that was the second most efficient in all of football a season ago, capitalizing for touchdowns on 64.1 % of their red zone opportunities.
