Eagles' Wentz has stress fracture in back; no surgery needed

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Carson Wentz's back injury will likely give Nick Foles another opportunity.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson said Friday that Wentz does not require surgery for a stress fracture in his back and the injury could take up to three months to heal. The quarterback is listed as "questionable" for Sunday night's game against the Rams in Los Angeles and is scheduled to travel with the team.

"The fact that he doesn't need surgery on this is the best news you could possibly have on anybody that has a stress fracture or stress injury," Pederson said. "If we put him out there, there has to be 100 percent that there's no risk of anything further."

The team isn't certain when Wentz got hurt and Pederson said the injury developed over time. A test on Tuesday revealed his condition.

"He's one of the toughest dudes I know, but of course it's going to affect him," wide receiver Jordan Matthews said after Thursday's practice. "You have to be able to twist, you have to be able to turn. Carson is probably the best quarterback also throwing off the run, so that affects your running, too. He's wearing a knee brace. This guy is playing through a lot."

Foles hasn't taken a snap in a game since Week 2. He took over in Week 14 last season after Wentz tore two ligaments in his left knee during a comeback win on the road against the Rams. Foles led Philadelphia to its first NFL title since 1960 and started the first two games this season, going 1-1.

Foles is 21-12 as a starter, including playoffs, in two stints with Philadelphia.