Eagles make it official, Nick Foles will get another start
Philadelphia Eagles’ Nick Foles celebrates as he runs off the field after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 32-30. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
PHILADELPHIA — Nick Foles will get another shot to lead the Philadelphia Eagles to the playoffs.
Coming off a record-setting performance in a 32-30 comeback win over Houston, Foles will start when the Eagles (8-7) visit Washington (7-8) in a must-win game Sunday.
Coach Doug Pederson announced Monday that Foles will remain under center, though it’s no surprise because Carson Wentz hasn’t been cleared to return from a back injury that has forced him to miss the last two games.
“As he goes through this natural healing process and the rest and everything, our medical team will continue to evaluate him and we’ll see where he’s at,” Pederson said of Wentz. “Right now, Nick is the guy, and we’re going to finish at least this last game with Nick, and then we’ll evaluate next week again.”
The defending Super Bowl champs will earn the NFC’s second wild-card spot if they beat the Redskins and the Vikings (8-6-1) lose at home to the Bears (11-4).
Wentz will stay on the active roster so there’s a chance he could return if the Eagles stay alive. It would be tough to bench Foles, however, if he continues to play at a high level.
“Those are obviously conversations we have to have,” Pederson said. “Those are tough decisions to make. I’ve said all along that Carson is our guy and if he’s cleared and 100 percent and ready to go, then we’ll address that at that time.”
The Eagles have a chance because Foles again stepped in for Wentz and has been outstanding. Foles was the Super Bowl MVP 10 1/2 months ago after a spectacular performance against New England led Philadelphia to its first NFL title since 1960.
He set a franchise-record with 471 yards passing against the Texans and tossed four touchdown passes. A week earlier, he led the 13 1/2-point underdog Eagles to a 30-23 victory on the road over the Los Angeles Rams.
“He’s just an unbelievable player and an unbelievable person,” tight end Zach Ertz said. “His demeanor is so calm and he’s a really good player.”
The Eagles are 8-2 with Foles the past two seasons, including the playoffs and a loss to Dallas in a meaningless game in Week 17 in which the starters only played one quarter.
Going back to Foles’ first stint in Philadelphia, he’s 22-7 as a starter for the Eagles since going 1-5 his rookie year in 2012 on a 4-12 team that cost Andy Reid his job as coach.
Notes: WR Mike Wallace was activated from injured reserve and CB Josh Hawkins was promoted from the practice squad. CBs Chandon Sullivan and De’Vante Bausby were released. Wallace hasn’t played since he broke his right fibula in Week 2.
