Carson Wentz Returns to TNF After Apparent Head Injury

Rookie quarterback was taken to the ground hard by Olivier Vernon

Update: Wentz returned to the game in the fourth quarter, and was cleared from the concussion protocol

Second-overall pick Carson Wentz had not missed a play all season after being named the Eagles starting quarterback eight days before the regular season. After an impressive start on Thursday Night Football against the Giants, Wentz was taken down in the third quarter, and was slow to get to his feet.

With a 21-16 lead in the third quarter, Wentz looked to steady himself against teammate Jason Peters, who immediately called over the training staff. He entered the locker room, and was placed under the concussion protocol. Wentz was diagnosed with a concussion just one time during his four years at North Dakota State.

Back-up Chase Daniel entered the game for Wentz. On the same drive Wentz went down, the Eagles offense was stuffed at the goal line on fourth down.

Wentz had an impressive start to his rookie season when the Eagles started their season 3-0 before an early bye week. Since then, the loss of right tackle Lane Johnson and a combination of losses has left the Eagles out of the playoff hunt.

Before leaving the game Thursday, Wentz was 11/19 with a beautiful 40-yard touchdown pass to Nelson Agholor. Wentz also rushed for 17 yards on two attempts in his second career game against the Giants.

Wentz has thrown for over 3,000 yards thus far as a rookie, and is set to break multiple Eagles rookie records.

If Wentz remains in the concussion protocol, he’ll have some extra time to recover before next Sunday’s game against the Cowboys.