The Philadelphia Eagles camp has been one nasty, infected and contagious case of ups and downs. One position might perform well in practices and games, but two others might struggle mightily. Wide receivers bouncing back, the running backs’ struggles and the offensive line’s lack of chemistry are some of the biggest story lines in camp so far. One of the most underrated and equally concerning stories to take away from Eagles camp has been the backup quarterback woes and specifically in Nick Foles.
What the Nick Foles Injury Issues Mean for the Philadelphia Eagles
Foles came back to Philadelphia to become the backup to Philly’s budding star Carson Wentz. Unfortunately, he has been hampered by elbow soreness and inflammation throughout the spring and summer camps. The six-year veteran from Arizona has missed most of training camp’s competitive play and has already missed the first three preseason games. With his elbow still bothering him and keeping him out of practice, it looks like he will miss the fourth and final preseason game as well.
Over the summer, he returned on and off to practice but was quick to leave with more elbow ailments. Even as early as this past Monday, he returned to practice but left again with more elbow trouble. This was an injury that persisted through the last year or so and ailed him before he came to Philly.
Foles signed to return to the Eagles in March on a two-year, $11 million contract. After starting off his career in 2012 in Philadelphia, with his best season coming in 2013 when he threw for 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions, Foles moved on to the Los Angeles Rams (then in St. Louis) in 2015 and the Kansas City Chiefs last season. He never found the groove with the Rams and regressed, leading to him becoming the backup for Alex Smith and only playing in three games total last season.
With all of Foles’ problems, head coach Doug Pederson remains steadfast and revealed he has no concerns with Foles elbow. Pederson said the elbow issues of throwing arms are sensitive and Foles will need rest of his arm for the regular season.
Foles injury also presents a much bigger problem: Who backs up Foles and are they ready to be the primary backup? Matt McGloin has looked good and bad this preseason as the number three listed quarterback. If Foles is not ready for the start of the season, it is very likely McGloin is kept on the roster as the primary backup. Even then, a healthy McGloin is no where near as good as a healthy Foles so there would be a significant drop off behind Wentz if Foles in unavailable.
The ironic and funny part is that not seeing Foles at all next season wouldn’t be the worst situation because that could mean Wentz was healthy for each game just like last season. Putting all your eggs in Wentz staying healthy for 16 more games is foolish and last year may never happen again for him. Having a solid backup is critical in today’s NFL.
This all leaves the Eagles with burning questions. Do we go out and sign another backup quarterback in case Foles isn’t ready to go and McGloin isn’t good enough to be numero uno? There aren’t really any options left on the market. Matt Schaub is an aging veteran but has been the backup in multiple places over the years and can be serviceable. Robert Griffin III is a shell of his former self, but when healthy (ironic), he can be dynamic and a new system could work well for him.
Then there’s the question of Colin Kaepernick. The talented, versatile quarterback, who was just a few yards away from winning the Super Bowl years ago, remains unemployed after the previous season of controversial kneeling for the national anthem. The Eagles may not have needed a backup or the talents of Kaepernick three months ago, but now he could potentially fit behind the youngster Wentz. Signing him would also put a lot of media and press on the Eagles.
Do the Eagles cut Foles altogether and not go into the season wondering if he will be healthy? That would mean they would likely have to get another quarterback on the roster or they could put faith in McGloin. All the missed practices, lack of reps and injury concerns for Foles will raise tough questions for the Philadelphia front office, but the reality is that after him there really won’t be anyone else. If Wentz was to go down for an extended period and Foles isn’t ready to step in, the whole season would basically be done.
In short, Foles’ injury means the quarterback position is much thinner than for comfort and a potential lack of depth behind Wentz will raise nervous stomachs in Philadelphia.
