Doug Pederson: Carson Wentz Is ‘Right On Track’

Doug Pederson and Carson Wentz. (USA Today Sports)

Carson Wentz only has six training camp practices under his belt so far, but Doug Pederson already likes what he sees from the rookie quarterback.

“Some of the plays he’s made yesterday and through rookie camp, there’s a couple of wild plays that you just go, ‘That’s the kind of quarterback that you know you have.’ He’s right on track, where we want him to be,” Pederson said. “He’s competing every day. He’s learning in the room. He’s asking great questions in the room. Chase [Daniel] has done a great job with him in learning, as well with Sam [Bradford]. Like where he’s at right now.”

However, the plan is still for Wentz to be inactive for games, at least to start the season. Pederson explained Wentz is working to improve mechanically.

“Specifically, trying to keep his feet tighter to the ground. He can get a little jumpy, a little hoppy,” Pederson said. “He can also be a little upright in his frame, so trying to keep him in a bent posture a little bit. And then just his knowledge and understanding of the offense, being able to anticipate and become a little more accurate passer. You can work on those things with drill work and just the more reps he gets, he’ll be more comfortable. But those are just a couple of things we’re doing with him.”

In the practices that have been open to the media this spring and summer, Wentz has performed as one would expect from a young, talented prospect: He makes several impressive throws each day, while others aren’t very close to the target. Occasionally, the ball will flutter out of his hand, which Pederson addressed.

“[That’s] not from the upper part of his body, not a throwing mechanic, nothing like that,” Pederson said. “Sometimes, some of those balls can be the process — because I’ve been there — of thinking about the play. And the last thing you’re worried about is the throw. You’re more worried about the progression of the play, and sometimes that affects the throw.”

Pederson also noted that Brandon Brooks and Ryan Mathews likely won’t be able to start practicing until the end of the week. Other players, like Jason Peters, have already been limited as a precautionary measure. Leodis McKelvin, Jordan Hicks and Mathews could enter that category as well, because of McKelvin’s experience, Hicks’ injury history and Mathews’ “style of running.”

Pederson added that he’s planning on activating four tight ends on game day, indicating four — rather than three — will make the team.

“It is, because Chris [Pantale] is a versatile tight end for me. We can also put him in the backfield and use him in a fullback position. He also has some value on [special] teams,” Pederson said. “Definitely like to see four potentially up.”