Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz won't need back surgery, could play

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz will not need surgery for his back injury and might be able to play on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson told reporters on Friday.

Wentz has a fracture in his back and originally was listed as questionable for the Rams game, but later in the day was downgraded to doubtful.

"He has a stress injury evolved over time and requires no surgery," Pederson told reporters. "I'm not asking or answering any more questions about it. We're playing the Rams in two days if you guys haven't figured this out.

"If we put him out there, there has to be 100 percent that there is no risk of anything further."

Wentz has not practiced all week and Pederson said that the full recovery for Wentz's back injury could take up to three months.

Pederson was asked if he is concerned by Wentz's history of injuries dating to college.

"I think you guys can sit here and say it's probably a red flag," Pederson said. "A lot of injuries occur because of the nature of the sport. The violent hits of this sport; guys know exactly what they are getting into, even at a young age and I think Carson is no different.

"But moving forward we need to make sure we do a better job of protecting him, starting with the offensive line, starting with the backs. He does his part getting the ball out of his hand. I do my part by maybe incorporating more screens and quick throws to help that, but it's not in any way going to change the aggressiveness of my nature or his moving forward."

Super Bowl MVP quarterback Nick Foles is expected to start Sunday for the Eagles (6-7).