Carson Wentz: 'I'm Excited To Play At The Linc'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Carson Wentz is happy the wait will soon be over.
The Eagles' rookie quarterback is likely counting the hours until his first preseason game on Thursday night. The Eagles will play host to the Buccaneers at the Linc, and Coach Doug Pederson announced Wentz will play the bulk of the second half. For the rookie, the excitement of playing in his first game in front of the fans in Philadelphia is difficult to contain.
"I'm excited to play at the Linc," said Wentz. "I'll have to calm down the excitement, because I'll be really excited, but once that first snap comes, I'll be ready to play."
Sam Bradford will start before giving way to Chase Daniel. While much of the hype will be focused on Wentz, Daniel will also be making his Eagles debut. The former Kansas City Chief knows all about the passion of Philadelphia fans, and Daniel is glad the first preseason game will be in South Philadelphia.
Related: Pederson Ends Tackling At Practice, Matthews Out A 'Couple Weeks'
"I'm definitely excited about it," Daniel said. "When we run out of that tunnel, it will be sort of surreal. I know these fans are some of the best in the world, so I'm looking forward to Thursday night to say the least."
While Daniel and Wentz will be ready to play, several other Eagles will be sidelined due to injuries. Malcolm Jenkins, Jason Peters and Jordan Matthews will all miss Thursday night's game. Pederson said Matthews will also miss the second preseason contest, but emphasized the wide receiver's knee injury was not serious.
"Jordan Matthews is still a couple weeks away from being back," said Pederson. "We want to make sure he's completely healthy with that knee. Hopefully, tentatively, you get into that Colts...that third preseason. If not, then regular season."
While Matthews and some of his teammates will be forced to wait to play in the preseason, the rest of the Eagles are relieved to finally have the chance to hit a different opponent. Running Back Ryan Mathews will likely be limited on Thursday night, but says any work in the preseason is important in preparation for the regular season.
Related: With Jason Peters Out, Lane Johnson Stays At Right Tackle
"Preseason is pretty valuable," Mathews said. "Getting in there and getting live reps against a different team is a lot faster than practice. It's good for us."
Offensive Lineman Lane Johnson believes is has also been helpful to have a physical training camp to prepare for the preseason schedule.
"This whole training camp has been a lot more physical demeanor," said Johnson. "I think that's what we've been missing the past few years. It feels good."
