Carson Wentz out for season with torn ACL; Eagles turn to Nick Foles

Ron Clements

Carson Wentz out for season with torn ACL; Eagles turn to Nick Foles image

You're up, Nick Foles.

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Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, who was knocked from Sunday's 43-35 win over the Rams, is lost for the season with a torn left ACL, coach Doug Pederson told reporters Monday.

Originally, Pederson didn't comment after the game on multiple reports that said Wentz tore his ACL. However, after Wentz had an MRI exam Monday, the news was confirmed.

The Eagles (11-2) now turn to the sixth-year veteran Foles, who helped rally them to Sunday's NFC East-clinching victory after Wentz left the game.

"I hate it for Carson Wentz; I hate it for the career and the season he's been having," Pederson said Monday (via NFL.com). "But at the same time it's been the next man up mentality and that's how we approach it this week."

Afterward Sunday's game, Pederson, perhaps fearing the worst, professed his confidence in his backup.

"This guy's come in, he's played a lot of football games in this league," Pederson said of Foles, 28. "He's started in this league. Guys have confidence in him. I have confidence in him."

Wentz was injured after scrambling from the 2-yard line before diving into the end zone. He was hit on his left knee by Rams linebacker Mark Barron. Wentz's apparent touchdown was then negated because of a holding penalty.

"It appears watching the film again today it was actually before the contact so it could be a non-contact deal," Pederson told reporters Monday (via NFL.com). "But that's just what it appears like on tape."

The second-year quarterback stayed in the game to throw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Alshon Jeffery as the Eagles took a 31-28 lead. Wentz then walked to the locker room with a towel around his neck. The Eagles declared him out to start the fourth quarter. 

The Rams scored to regain the lead on the ensuing possession and Foles took over at quarterback trailing, 35-31.

The Eagles, who close with games against the Giants, Raiders and Cowboys, hold a one-game lead on the Vikings (10-3) for homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

Wentz threw 33 touchdown passes and for almost 3,300 yards this season, so there likely will be an adjustment in the Eagles' attack. LeGarrette Blount is the team's leading rusher with 696 yards but only two TDs. Jay Ajayi, acquired from the Dolphins, has rushed for 307 yards for Philly, only eight more than Wentz finished with this season.

Ron Clements