PHILADELPHIA — Carson Wentz lunged to his right and then backpedaled to avoid a rush. After darting forward again, he quickly rolled to his right and took off down the sideline at full speed.
The only reminder Saturday that the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback is returning from knee surgery was the brace attached his left leg.
“Obviously he’s got some of that Kobe Bryant (stuff) in his knee,” defensive end Michael Bennett said with a smile, referring to the offseason knee treatment in Germany the NBA great used to receive. “He probably went to Germany or Switzerland or some (stuff), because he’s looking really good out there.”
How upbeat were the Eagles after Wentz went through 11-on-11 drills with the starters during the first padded practice of training camp? Coach Doug Peterson interrupted new offensive coordinator Mike Groh’s press conference with the key question for the Super Bowl champions.
“I know you don’t want to put a timetable on Carson, but what’s your timetable?” Pederson asked, smirking.
“Great question,” Groh said.
Wentz sure looked close to ready during a humid morning practice. Barely seven months removed from tearing the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his left knee, Wentz participated in full team drills without limitations and drew rave reviews from his teammates and coaches.
BEARS: The contract impasse with rookie linebacker Roquan Smith centers on language governing whether Smith’s guaranteed money could be reclaimed by the team if he were suspended under the new NFL rule that prohibits a player from initiating contact with his helmet.
“That’s part of the issue,” Coach Matt Nagy said.
Smith’s representatives at CAA Football are asking the Bears to include in the contract a written assurance that the team would not go after any of Smith’s guaranteed money if he’s suspended under the new rule, league sources said. They requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of negotiations.
The Bears have resisted putting that specific protection in writing. Instead, they have informally assured Smith’s representatives that they would be reasonable in assessing disciplinary action by the league against Smith under the new rule if the situation arises, according to two people with knowledge of the situation.
SEAHAWKS: Left tackle Duane Brown agreed to a multiyear contract extension that locks up the protector of Russell Wilson’s blindside for the next few seasons.
Brown, who will turn 33 years old next month, is a four-time Pro Bowl selection. NFL Network reported the new deal is for three years.
JETS: Running back Eli McGuire has a broken foot that will likely sideline him for several weeks.
Coach Todd Bowles confirmed the injury after practice Saturday. He said McGuire was hurt Friday while making a cut during the Jets’ first practice of training camp. McGuire rushed for 315 yards and a touchdown as a rookie last season and caught 17 passes for 177 yards and a TD.
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