Carson Wentz back to Eagles after nine-month layoff

Franchise quarterback Carson Wentz returned last week to the Philadelphia Eagles after a nine-month layoff following ACL surgery.

More help could be on the way when the Eagles go on the road to face the Tennessee Titans Sunday at Nissan Stadium.

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, who had been nursing a shoulder injury, was cleared for contact and remains questionable for Sunday. Running backs Jay Ajayi (back) and Darren Sproles (hamstring) are progressing and could play against the Titans.

The Eagles improved to 2-1 after a hard-fought 20-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday.

"Well, we're just trying to get a little bit better each and every day," Eagles offensive coordinator Mike Groh said. "We haven't had the same unit out there in the huddle each and every day, so we're excited about the guys you just mentioned and their availability whenever they're cleared medically to get back out there on the field with us. We know the kind of players they are and we know their talents and the things they can do for this offense."

Wentz had a successful return, going 25 of 37 for 255 yards, one touchdown and one interception against the Colts in rainy Philadelphia. The young Indianapolis defense put immense pressure on Wentz and sacked him five times.

"It felt good to finally be out there," Wentz said. "It was kind of a long time coming, obviously. A lot of excitement, a lot of emotions."

After a 27-20 season-opening loss at Miami, the Titans have won two in a row, 20-17 over the Houston Texans and 9-6 on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

It was a bit surreal considering quarterback Marcus Mariota had an elbow injury and didn't even start against the Jaguars. Mariota came off the bench and led the Titans to a huge road win.

In the first quarter, Blaine Gabbert left in concussion protocol and didn't return.

"It was cool for me to give Marcus the game ball in the locker room," Titans coach Mike Vrabel told reporters after the win. "He cares about this team immensely. You saw him come in and give us a spark and give us some third-down conversions to seal the deal for us late in the game."

Mariota finished 12 of 18 for 100 yards while also rushing 7 times for 51 yards.

"He's a stud," left tackle Taylor Lewan said. "When Marcus comes in you, don't think, 'Aw man, he's hurt.' You think, 'Good. Marcus is in; our quarterback is here.'"

Gabbert remains in concussion protocol and his status is not likely to be determined until closer to Sunday's game. The Titans also agreed to terms with quarterback Austin Davis as insurance.

Tennessee surprised many people with the three-point win at Jacksonville and now will be aiming for a third straight victory, this time against the defending Super Bowl champions.

"We have to play hard each and every week whether we're allegedly the underdog or not," Vrabel told reporters. "This is a crazy league."