Eagles’ Carson Wentz to resume throwing Saturday

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said the team will test Wentz on Saturday by having the rookie throw some passes.

Carson Wentz is still “day to day” as he recovers from the rib fracture he suffered in the first preseason game on August 11. Pederson said Saturday he would “test” Wentz by having him throw a bit during an afternoon practice, and the team is still eyeing the September 1 preseason finale as a possible return date for the rookie.

At this point it sounds like Pederson might be inclined to let Wentz play in Week 4 of the preseason if his ribs respond well in the meantime. The team is hoping to get Matthews back on the practice field this week.

Matthews told reporters he’s running and expects to be ready for Week 1 “without a doubt”. “He’s on track. His recovery is doing well and I do expect him opening day”. Kendricks has not played this preseason. Pederson the decisions was cautionary measure and Smallwood will return to practice this week and should play next Saturday against the Colts barring any setbacks.

Missing in action after taking a low hit from CB Jalen Mills earlier in training camp has been the Eagles’ unquestioned top receiver Jordan Matthews, who is still out with a bone bruise in his knee.

Wentz isn’t the only rookie battling an injury, as Pederson confirmed that linebacker Joe Walker is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Kendricks, who is dealing with a hamstring injury, is expected to take some snaps on Saturday, but it isn’t clear if how many or if he will be with the first-team defense. To replace Walker, Pederson said the team will count on undrafted rookie Don Cherry for now, but did reveal they are looking for help at the position.

Kicker Caleb Sturgis and safety Blake Countess are both in the NFL’s concussion protocol.