NFL: Eagles, Steelers share QB concerns

Carson Wentz expects to join 11-on-11 drills next week, but it’s unsure if he’ll be ready for Philadelphia’s Sept. 6 opener with Atlanta.

Wentz’s goal since surgery in December to repair torn ligaments in his left knee has been to be ready for that game, and he says, “It’s going to be close.”

The defending champions won’t rush their franchise quarterback. Super Bowl most valuable player Nick Foles is ready to step in like he did in Week 14 last season. He’ll get a Super Bowl rematch when he makes his preseason debut Thursday against New England.

Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, meanwhile, is ruled out for Thursday’s game at Green Bay with a possible concussion.

“Ben Roethlisberger sustained a hit today in practice,” a team spokesman said Tuesday. “He is being evaluated as part of the concussion protocol.”

Roethlisberger was face down on the turf, surrounded by teammates. He was helped to his feet and sat on a cooler with a towel over his head. He touched his head several times and eventually walked off the field under his own power with trainers and team doctors.

“It didn’t look too pretty,” guard Marcus Gilbert said.

Darnold impresses

Count Washington cornerback Josh Norman among those impressed with Sam Darnold.

After three days of joint practices, Norman couldn’t help but admire the “smarts” of the New York Jets’ rookie quarterback.

“He’s like putting them on the money,” Norman said. “This little kid is not making mistakes. He’s really accurate.”

Etc.

Washington released veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick. ... Receiver DeVante Parker could miss Miami’s opener because of a broken finger on his right hand, the Florida Sun Sentinel reports. ... Linebacker Roquan Smith finally suited up for Chicago after the first-round pick agreed to a four-year contract that guarantees $18.5 million and includes an $11.5-million signing bonus. ... Free-agent receiver Dez Bryant will visit Cleveland on Thursday.