The Eagles report for training camp today and, according to a report, it's likely the guy everyone wants to watch won't be practicing at the jump.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the "most likely" scenario is that Wentz begins training camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list.
The #Eagles report and have their physicals today, including rehabbing QB Carson Wentz. The most likely, cautious scenario is that Wentz lands on the PUP list, sources say, though he could come off at any time. It would not be an indication that he'll start the season on PUP.โ Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2018
Before you start throwing things, this is probably not a big deal. Although it would be a little bit of an eyebrow-raiser.
Putting Wentz on the PUP to start training camp really could just be the Eagles' being cautious with their franchise quarterback. The Eagles would be able to take him off the PUP at any time during training camp.
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If Wentz does go on the Active PUP (the one during training camp) it would eventually allow the Eagles to put him on the real PUP once the season starts. A player has to be on the Active PUP before going on the Reserve PUP and practicing at all voids that. The Reserve PUP would keep him out for the at least the first six weeks of the season; that seems unlikely, but the Eagles apparently want to keep their options open. We're a looooong way from that right now.
The reason this seems strange is that during the spring, Wentz was already doing individual and 7-on-7 drills. He wasn't doing 11-on-11s. The Eagles have been very clear that they're not going to rush him back and risk further injury. And they still have that insurance policy in Nick Foles.
The problem with putting Wentz on the PUP now is that he wouldn't be able to practice with his teammates, something he had done during the spring. So on one hand, putting Wentz on the PUP would give them an option if something goes wrong, but it might also slow down his progress. Even Rapoport seemed to admit putting Wentz on the PUP isn't a done deal.
Putting QB Carson Wentz on PUP is one strong option for the #Eagles. The other is to have him practice on a limited basis so he can remain out on the field with his teammates. Either way, rehab is going wellโฆ it just doesn't make sense to have him practice fully yet.โ Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2018
Throughout his entire rehab process, Wentz has maintained that his goal is to be ready for Week 1, when the Eagles face the Falcons. The third-year QB doesn't seem like a guy who's ready to miss the first six weeks of the season.
Training camp MOOD ๐ #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/lWMUNLXwznโ Carson Wentz (@cj_wentz) July 25, 2018