Wentz will try light throwing, and Pederson says Birds need LB help

Doug Pederson said Carson Wentz will try some light throwing in Saturday's practice, nine days after Wentz suffered a hairline rib fracture in the preseason opener.

"Day-to-day. We're going to test him a little bit today, just throwing a little bit, but it's one that I'm not gonna rush back," Pederson  said. "I know that injury can be a little discomforting, but at the same time, wanna see where he's at."

Pederson also acknowledged that the season-ending ACL injury to rookie Joe Walker will require the Eagles to sign a linebacker.

"I know Howie (Roseman) and his team are out there looking, and with the loss of Joe, obviously, something's going to have to be done," Pederson said.

The Eagles said linebacker Mychal Kendricks and corner Jalen Mills would practice Saturday. Both have been sidelined with hanstring injuries. Wideout Jordan Matthews (knee) remains sidelined; Pederson said he thinks Matthews will be ready for the regular season, but if Matthews isn't ready for the third preseason game, next Saturday at Indianapolis, he probably won't play in the preseason finale, in which coaches generally don't use starters.

Pederson said that although rookie running back Wendell Smallwood practiced last week, his healing quad wouldn't allow Smallwood to "hit that fifth gear," so Smallwood couldn't go in the Pittsburgh game.

He said rookie left guard Isaac Seumalo, who started against the Steelers, "is getting better with every practice, every rep." He said former left guard Allen Barbre "really settled into the role" at right tackle, replacing Lane Johnson. Sounds like Pederson has little interest in making any more changes there.