Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles have had a tough go of it to start the 2020 NFL season. They have started the year 1-3-1 as a team, and Wentz has had the worst season of his career statistically so far. Well, things will not be easier on Sunday for Wentz. In fact, a COVID-19 issue could spell doom for him and the Eagles on Sunday.

Carson Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles have struggled to start the season

It has been a very, very tough season so far for the Philadelphia Eagles. The poor play of Carson Wentz — and the poor play of the rest of the offense, as well as the defense — has led to the team starting 1-3-1.

Wentz is having the worst season of his career so far too. After throwing for just seven interceptions each of the last three seasons, Wentz has already thrown nine picks through five games this season. Overall, his stats this year are: 1,188 passing yards, six touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

All of the blame cannot be put on Wentz, though. He has also been sacked 19 times so far this season. That is second in the NFL, only to Joe Burrow, and the Bengals are pretty much known for having a non-existent offensive line.

The issues on offense have led to the Eagles only scoring 22.6 points per game, which is No. 23 in the league. Well, things won’t be any easier for Wentz and the Eagles’ offense on Sunday as they play one of the best defenses in football.

The Baltimore Ravens have one of the best defenses in football

Of course, the Baltimore Ravens are one of the best teams in the NFL because they have the reigning NFL MVP on offense in Lamar Jackson. They also have a really dangerous rushing attack with three capable running backs, in addition to Jackson’s ability to run the ball.

However, the main reason that the Ravens are one of the league’s best squads is because of the team’s tough defense.

Baltimore has the top defense in the NFL in terms of points allowed per game, as they have only allowed 15.2 points per game through five games.

There are two areas where Baltimore really exceeds defensively, though, that could lead to very bad things for Wentz on Sunday. They are second in the NFL in takeaways, and they are fifth in the NFL in team sacks with 16.

So, Wentz was already going to be in trouble against the Ravens. However, a COVID-19 issue could spell doom for him on Sunday.

A COVID-19 issue could spell doom for Carson Wentz on Sunday

As mentioned above, the Eagles’ offensive line has done a horrible job of protecting Wentz this season, leading to those 19 sacks. Well, now a COVID-19 issue will make the Eagles’ offensive line even weaker on Sunday.

According to ESPN, Eagles starting right guard Matt Pryor is on the reserve/COVID-19 list and will miss the game against the Ravens. This comes after Pryor was in close contact with someone who had the virus, but has reportedly not tested positive.

“We’re taking all the precautions and making sure that he’s safe and healthy,” Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. “So he’s going to miss this game.”

In his place will be Jamon Brown, who the Eagles signed off the Chicago Bears’ practice squad in September. This means that after getting sacked 19 times already, Wentz will now have the fifth different combination of offensive line starters in just six games this season.

Right tackle Lane Johnson will also miss Sunday’s game against the Ravens with a nagging ankle injury. Johnson’s ankle injury that required surgery in August, and the torn Achilles of Brandon Brooks, have led to tremendous instability on the right side of the Eagle offensive line already. Now, Pryor’s exposure to COVID-19 is adding to that instability.

Carson Wentz is certainly a talented quarterback, but missing Pryor on an already depleted offensive line could spell doom for him on Sunday.

Stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference