2 min read • March 10, 2022
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Carson Wentz, the new Washington Commanders quarterback, has an undeserved reputation of being injury prone.
While he has had more than his fair share of injuries, he tends to play through the minor injuries and he has recovered from the major injuries unscathed, said Dr. David Chao, ProFootballDoc.
His first major injury concern came before he even played a snap in college. He reportedly suffered a stress fracture in his back as an adolescent, but that issue was examined in depth at college and did not prevent him from being selected at No. 2 overall in the 2016 draft.
Wentz also suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee in December 2017. He finished the offensive series in that game and threw a touchdown pass before exiting and missing the rest of the season and playoffs.
While he was not ready for Week 1 the following year, but returned earlier than expected and started in Week 3.
However, the return may have come too soon because his left knee injury likely contributed to the spine issue that knocked him out late that season, Chao said.
"Not being able to step in the throws may have aggravated the stress fracture, which was reported as a fractured vertebrae," Chao said.
Last season he did not miss a game despite an offseason fracture in his foot and spraining both ankles early in the season.
"If you look at the totality of his injury issues, he has always recovered ahead of time and if there is any fault, it's that he has tried to push too hard," Chao said.
The Commanders reportedly acquired Wentz for a package including two third-round draft picks.
"The acquisition by the Commanders is a safe one," Chao said. "I expect Wentz should have no residual issues to worry about and should have no problem passing the physical for the trade."
The 29-year-old played in all 17 games last season for the Colts, finishing with 3,563 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
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