Nick Foles will start for the Eagles in their season opener.

It’s what we were expecting.


Let me stress two things:

Carson Wentz’s injury is much more than an ACL, as he injured two out of the four ligaments in his knee and cannot be compared to others with just a torn ACL. I am impressed with what Wentz and his medical team have done in terms of the pace at which he has rehabbed.

It has simply been the realistic expectation all along that the smart thing is for the Eagles to slow play the return of their franchise quarterback.

We have said all along there is no medical way that Wentz can be 100 percent by Week 1.


He could conceivably be a pocket QB by then, but there is no way to be his run/pass self until much later in this season or possibly even 2019.

Limiting him or any player potentially limits his effectiveness and invites other injuries. Playing cautiously is one way to invite other injuries.

The chance of re-tear of the ACL is higher for up to the first year and goes down each week.


The Eagles and Wentz’s surgeon are looking at a bigger picture.

Plus, the Eagles have the luxury of having the Super Bowl MVP to start in Wentz’s place.

Further:


Wentz has only recently started in 11-on-11 practice and shares the snaps in those drills.

He has not played in the preseason or been cleared for contact.

Based on the videos that have been released of Wentz and his workouts, he still seems to favor the knee.

So now that it is clear Wentz won’t start Week 1, when will he start?

With the Thursday opener, that gives Wentz 10 days before the Week 2 game, but it seems doubtful that he will start that either.

To me, he is still multiple weeks away.


I understand there was optimism since he was not placed on PUP at the start of training camp and he looked good in practice.

However, if he were on PUP, he would not be able to practice with the team, and that was probably worth it for him to do as part of his rehab.

And Wentz’s superior athleticism should not fool you. The fact he can throw the ball 65 yards is a testament to his arm strength, and how well he moves is a testament to his mobility. But neither indicates he is anywhere near 100 percent.


Also, don’t be fooled that he is on the 53-man roster. A player of his caliber is worth carrying on the roster just so he can practice and be part of the team – with the possibility he will return in the coming weeks.

Things can change. Wentz can turn the corner more quickly, or there can be more pressure on the Eagles to start him if Foles struggles as he has in the preseason.

No one knows at this point.


My best guess is it will be at least a few weeks. Depending on how he looks in practice, his exam and the internal Eagles discussions, that could change.

But don’t be surprised if this becomes like “Luck Watch 2017.” (In no way am I implying Wentz will eventually go on IR, simply that there may be some week-to-week hype about it).

At this point, medically, he is more likely to start Week 7 (after a Thursday night game in Week 6) or Week 10 (after a bye in Week 9) than he is to start Week 2.


If the team’s internal plan is truly to use Wentz the same way as before injury, as offensive coordinator Mike Groh said recently, that would necessitate waiting until at least the second half of the season.