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Carson Wentz’s return ‘still a medical issue’ while Eagles await clearance

The QB is not starting on Thursday because he has not received medical clearance, coach Doug Pederson explained Tuesday.

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson talks to quarterback Carson Wentz during a open practice at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia on Saturday, August 11, 2018. YONG KIM / Staff Photographer
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson talks to quarterback Carson Wentz during a open practice at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia on Saturday, August 11, 2018. YONG KIM / Staff PhotographerRead moreYONG KIM

Carson Wentz is not starting this week because he has not received medical clearance, coach Doug Pederson explained Tuesday. There was no decision to be made between Wentz and Nick Foles because Wentz is not yet allowed to play.

"It's still a medical issue," Pederson said. "As of right now, me standing here, he is not [cleared]."

Pederson said he made the final determination on the starting quarterback on Monday. He did not say when Wentz would return, but said the quarterback is "close."

"I'm not going to get into all the 'whys' … what went into this, what went into that," Pederson said. "I made the decision. Had been in conversation obviously with both Carson and Nick this entire time, dating all the way back to the spring. … Both guys have embraced it, and we're getting focused and ready for Thursday night."

Pederson explained that his ire during a Sunday news conference was because he had not yet informed Wentz of the final decision. He did not want Wentz to find out through the media.

"The decision was not made at the time," Pederson said. "I still wanted to hear from our medical team. I wanted to see exactly where Carson was at. Again, if I came off a little abrasive, that's part of the reason."

Pederson said Wentz is "probably disappointed" because he wanted to play, but the coach gave the impression that the QB has been kept in the loop throughout the entire offseason. Pederson did not say what will happen once Wentz receives medical clearance, choosing to focus on this week. He said Wentz will continue to get work in practice with the scout team to remain fresh, and he can throw on the side with key players such as Alshon Jeffery and Zach Ertz.

When the Eagles begin practicing next week for Tampa Bay, the same quarterback questions will start again.

"Obviously, more rest and more time off heals the wounds," Pederson said. "Carson has been out there. He's been in 11-on-11 drills in training camp and this week, so we're just waiting and just getting the clearance."

Jeffery, Hollins out

Eagles wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Mack Hollins will miss Thursday's opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Jeffery is recovering from rotator cuff surgery and Hollins has a groin injury. Hollins underwent sports hernia surgery during the offseason, but Pederson said that's not the reason the receiver is out. Pederson said Hollins suffered a "minor setback."

The Eagles signed veteran wide receiver Markus Wheaton on Tuesday. Wheaton, who was with the Eagles during the summer, returns after being cut Saturday. His salary becomes fully guaranteed, but the Eagles needed the depth.

Tight end Richard Rodgers, who has been out with a knee injury, was placed on injured reserve to make room for Wheaton.

Extra points

Running back Jay Ajayi returned to practice and is expected to be ready to play Thursday. Defensive end Michael Bennett missed practice with a knee injury, but it's not considered serious.