Returning for that preseason finale is looking more and more likely.
Carson Wentz has been shown throwing the ball during pregame warmups Thursday and recent practices. And with each passing day, there’s predictably been more zip on his passes as the hairline fracture in his ribs suffered in the preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continues to heal.
Here were some tosses Thursday prior to the Pittsburgh Steelers game and can visibly see Wentz laboring a bit with each throw.
Carson Wentz throwing some passes pregame. Ribs hurtin. #Eagles @CSNPhilly pic.twitter.com/noMdWWGLrZ
— John Clark CSN (@JClarkCSN) August 18, 2016
And another video:
Encouraging sign…
Eagles QB Carson Wentz throwing passes during warm ups. Wentz recovering from rib fracture pic.twitter.com/n0VY9lW3lo
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) August 18, 2016
On Saturday, Wentz throws from about the same distance, but appears a lot smoother with his motion.
Carson Wentz having a catch with Frank Reich. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/EhGtVv20ms
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroCSN) August 20, 2016
Despite Eagles head coach Doug Pederson stating that Wentz wouldn’t throw Monday, the North Dakota State got some work in and was shown playing catch further away than the other two throwing sessions.
Carson Wentz doing some light throwing under eye of #Eagles trainer. Doug Pederson said earlier he wouldn’t throw. pic.twitter.com/Tct4UJtOrl
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) August 22, 2016
Wentz stated prior to Monday’s practice that the goal is to get him back on the field against the Jets in that fourth exhibition contest.
“It’s just one of those things where you just have to wait and see. They have to do another scan and just kind of reevaluate here in probably about a week,” Wentz said via CSN Philly.
The No. 2 overall pick admitted he’s still feeling “some discomfort” in his ribs.
“It’s one of those things that just takes time. I’m going to try today off to the side of practice and just get some throwing in. But it just takes some time.”
Wentz also explained that he won’t change his physical style of play.
“It’s not going to change the way I play. I’m not going to back away from anything. At the same time, I’m still learning how to control myself and take care of the body, protect myself a little more. That’s something I just need to keep doing for the rest of my career.”