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Wentz throws and wants to play final preseason game

Carson Wentz threw on the side for the second consecutive practice on Monday. It was a light throwing session to test how he feels. Wentz is still not ready to return to practice while the hairline fracture in his ribcage heals.

Carson Wentz threw on the side for the second consecutive practice on Monday. It was a light throwing session to test how he feels. Wentz is still not ready to return to practice while the hairline fracture in his ribcage heals.

"Still experiencing some discomfort," Wentz said before practice. "Just one of those things that takes time."

The goal remains to play the final preseason game on Sept. 1. He'll have a better idea of his status in a week, and he's frustrated he's not playing.

"I was really excited for preseason," Wentz said. "I knew I'd get a chance to go out and play. Now that's cut a little short."

Wentz said he remains locked into practices and peppers the coaches with questions. He went through an injury last season, so he said he knows how to deal with the time away.

At 6-foot-5 and 237 pounds, Wentz is known as a physical player. He said this injury will not change how he plays, but he will be cognizant of the hits he takes.

"I'm not going to back away from anything, but at the same time I'm still learning how to control myself and take care of the body, protect myself a little more," Wentz said.

Wentz wore a flak jacket under his jersey when he suffered the injury, but he was hit "at a funny spot." He said his ribs would be covered when he plays next. For now, he needs to wait for the discomfort associated with the injury to subside.

"I've never dealt with this before," Wentz said. "It's killing me. I want to be out here. It's one of those things that takes time."

Extra points

Kicker Caleb Sturgis and safety Blake Countess returned to practice from concussions. Sturgis suffered his concussion when he was hit in the head with a punt during warm-ups last week. He said he would wear a helmet during the warm-up period going forward. . . . Wide receiver Jordan Matthews (knee) and cornerback Aaron Grymes (shoulder) were absent from practice. Defensive tackle Mike Martin practiced for the first time since he injured his left knee during the first week of training camp, and cornerback JaCorey Shepherd (hamstring) was also back on the practice field. . . . The Eagles released linebacker Deontae Skinner, who was one of only two reserve linebackers with NFL experience before the Stephen Tulloch signing. The Eagles roster is at 84 players. It needs to be cut to 75 players by Aug. 31.

zberman@phillynews.com

@ZBerm www.philly.com/eaglesblog