Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz has a torn left ACL and will miss the rest of the NFL season and play-offs, coach Doug Pederson has confirmed.
Wentz, a favourite in the MVP race, had an MRI on Monday that revealed the severity of the injury. Wentz was hurt late in the third quarter on Sunday against Los Angeles. Back-up Nick Foles rallied the Eagles (11-2) to a 43-35 win over the Rams that secured the NFC East title and put them in first place in the conference with three games remaining.
The Eagles have overcome several key injuries and now have to move forward without their most influential player. Nine-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters, return specialist/running back Darren Sproles, star linebacker Jordan Hicks and special teams captain Chris Maragos are out for the season.
"If there's ever an opportunity for me to rally the troops as the football coach, now might be the time," Pederson said. "You can't lose faith. This has been a resilient football team all season long."
After starting all 16 games as a rookie, Wentz made a giant leap this year. He passed for 3296 yards and set a franchise single-season record with 33 touchdown passes while only tossing seven interceptions.
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Foles led the Eagles to a pair of field goals on consecutive drives against the Rams. He is 20-17 as a starter in six seasons with the Eagles, Rams and Kansas City.
Pederson insisted the offence won't change with Foles.
"He's a highly intelligent football player," Pederson said.
Second-year pro Nate Sudfeld is Philadelphia's No.3 quarterback. Pederson said he hasn't spoken to personnel boss Howie Roseman about adding a third quarterback yet.
"I'm absolutely ready to go - need be," Foles said after the win over the Rams. "I prepare every day."
