In testy exchange, Eagles' HC Pederson refuses to name QB for opener
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Carson Wentz still hasn't been medically cleared for contact, though Eagles coach Doug Pederson won't rule out the quarterback for the season opener against Atlanta on Thursday night.
Pederson again told reporters in a testy exchange Sunday that he doesn't want to publicly reveal whether Wentz or Nick Foles would be the starter when the defending Super Bowl champions host the Falcons.
"I don't want to put my game plan out there for everybody to see it and read it and teams can scheme," Pederson said. "It just doesn't make a lot of sense."
Wentz is returning from surgery last December to repair two torn ligaments in his left knee. Foles was the Super Bowl MVP in Philadelphia's 41-33 win over New England.
Wentz didn't play in the preseason and only recently returned to full practice, so it seems obvious that he's going to miss at least the first game.
"We've got a lot of days left," Pederson said.
Running back Jay Ajayi has returned to practice after missing time. Left tackle Jason Peters and veteran returner/running back Darren Sproles are expected to play after sitting out the preseason while continuing their recovery following season-ending knee injuries last season.
Pederson isn't concerned about players being rusty.
"They've practiced," he said. "They've been in our practices. Practices are a lot tougher sometimes than games are. We've seen everything we need to see."
NOTES: The Eagles claimed LB D.J. Alexander off waivers from Seattle and released LB Joe Walker. ... The following players were signed to the practice squad: RB Josh Adams, CB De'Vante Bausby, LB Asantay Brown, TE Billy Brown, DT Winston Craig, WR Rashard Davis, DE Joe Ostman, CB Chandon Sullivan, C Jon Toth and WR Greg Ward.
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