Carson Wentz forced to leave for concussion protocol

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz is in concussion protocol after sustaining a hit in the NFC Wild Card game vs. the Seattle Seahawks.

The Philadelphia Eagles were a home underdog in their NFC Wild Card game vs. the Seattle Seahawks. Though the Eagles were a division winner, Seattle was only one yard short of winning the NFC West this year. All the while Carson Wentz and the Eagles hoped to pull off the upset at home over Seattle to advance to the NFC Divisional Round vs. the Green Bay Packers.

However, in the first half, Wentz would leave the game shortly before the end of the first quarter due to sustaining a hit to the head. He was placed in the concussion protocol and was replaced by veteran journeyman Josh McCown under center for the Eagles. What is going on here?

This was Wentz’s first career playoff game in his four years out of North Dakota State. Despite the Eagles reaching the NFC playoffs the two previous years, Wentz was unable to play in 2017 and 2018 due to season-ending injuries. With the Eagles being horribly depleted in the receiving corps, having Wentz out for any extended period of time can’t be good for Philadelphia’s chances.

Seattle too is banged up in this game, as the Seahawks have lost their three best running backs off their depth chart before the end of the season. Guys like Travis Homer and yes, Marshawn Lynch have been forced into duty with Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny and C.J. Prosise out for the year.

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Wentz needed to play well to give the Eagles a chance in this game, going up against Russell Wilson. But with him in the concussion protocol, this can’t be good for the Eagles going forward. He is questionable to return from his head injury. If he can’t go, then look for Eagles head coach Doug Pederson to get creative with his play-calling. The Eagles have to figure something out.