Carson Wentz injury update: It’s reportedly ‘realistic’ for Eagles quarterback to start in 2018 season opener

While all the attention is rightfully on the Philadelphia Eagles playing in Super Bowl LII today (holy crap!), NFL insider Ian Rapoport offered an update on Carson Wentz’s status.

Then on Wednesday, Wentz will have his own milestone. The starting quarterback will begin weight-bearing exercises with his brace unlocked for the first time since being placed on injured reserve, a significant step in his rehab as he tries to recover from a torn ACL and LCL.

If he had simply torn his ACL, he’d be out of a brace by now. That happens at four weeks. But it was a lateral collateral ligament, too, which he disclosed last week. The injury can force a conservative approach, leading to a longer rehab time. But once he’s able to begin weight-bearing exercises in a few days, his recovery can proceed as if it were a simple tear.

Once Super Bowl LII is over, the story of the Eagles’ offseason will center upon whether the franchise QB be ready to play in Philly’s 2018 season opener.

According to several sources with knowledge of Wentz’s rehab, it’s “realistic” to believe he’ll be good to go for the opener. It’s not a given, and no one knows for sure. But there is optimism.

Surgeon Dr. James Bradley, who did the operation, informed Wentz that barring a setback, he should be able to do some work in training camp and be ready for the season.

This report reflects the sentiment Wentz expressed last week when he spoke for the first time since getting hurt in Week 14 of the 2017 season.

The outcome of today’s Super Bowl will have an impact on when the Eagles’ first game of the 2018 season is played. If the Eagles beat the Patriots, Philly will likely be featured on NFL opening night, which is always the first Thursday night game of the year. That would give Wentz a little less time to be ready as opposed to playing on Sunday in Week 1.

There are bound to be countless Wentz updates as the offseason progresses. Right now, it’s still too early to say with certainty if he’ll be ready for Week 1 or not. The hope is that Wentz and the Eagles are cautious about bringing him back. No need to rush things if it means increasing the chances of re-injury.

In the meantime, it’s good to see Wentz is making tangible progress in his recovery.

It’s too bad he won’t be playing against the Patriots today. He’ll just have to wait to do that next year.