When it comes to whether Carson Wentz should suit up for Week 1, there is no debate. Either doctors give the quarterback the green light to play, or they won’t.
Nothing else matters.
Enough with this nonsense the Eagles should give Wentz extra time to heal even if he is cleared to play. At that point, doctors are literally saying he’s 100 percent. He isn’t going to get any more healed than that.
No yeah, but’s. No deep dives into the historical data of ACL injuries. No crying Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles “deserves” to start Week 1. No discussion, period.
This is a decision that will be left up to medical professionals. If they say Wentz is good, that really ought to be enough.
If Wentz’s doctors tell Doug Pederson his franchise quarterback can go physically, but playing so soon after the injury increases the risk of re-injury, then the Eagles have something to think about. If they say the ligaments are as strong as they will ever be, and the health of a 25-year-old’s left knee is in the hands of luck or mystical forces, then there is absolutely zero reason to wait for some arbitrary date.
Naturally, Wentz’s recovery from the torn ACL he suffered in December has been of tremendous intrigue, which has led to tireless coverage. In 2018, tireless coverage results in even more opining, predicting and debate.
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The only type of opinion there’s room for is a medical opinion, preferably that of somebody who is directly involved in Wentz’s treatment.
The Eagles have tried pouring cold water on this cycle all along, repeatedly telling reporters over the course of many months there’s a plan for Wentz’s rehab, and doctors will ultimately inform the team when he’s ready.
Yet, we’re a little more than two weeks from the Eagles’ regular season opener against the Falcons, and it seems everybody wants to give their two cents on what should happen.
If Wentz is ready, great. If he isn’t, that’s not a problem, either. The Eagles still have Foles. Obviously, there’s no reason to rush Wentz back.
Except there is no indication the Eagles would do that. If Wentz plays Week 1, it will be because the team’s medical staff is confident he is no more at risk of serious injury than any other human being who steps on the field that Thursday night.
What more do you want?