PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - Back in training camp Eagles coach Doug Pederson explained that GPS tracking was playing a part in Carson Wentz's rehab from a torn ACL and LCL.

Turns out the data collected from an RFID (Radio-frequency identification) chip inserted into the shoulder pads might be the deciding factor in Wentz being cleared by the team's medical staff.

According to a report from ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Wentz's recent GPS data hit a vital threshold the Eagles had set, namely the ability to protect himself on the field.

The report further claims that the star QB has not been ruled out of Week 2 in Tampa just yet, which will be Philadelphia's first game after Wentz clears the all-important nine-month barrier from surgery performed on Dec. 13 of last year. The caveat is that Week 3 against Frank Reich and Indianapolis is more likely and that only a setback would cool the current optimism.

Although not cleared for contact Wentz has yet to miss a practice since camp began and Pederson has continuously claimed there have been no setbacks despite the third-year player being scaled-back from team drills at one point.

Prior reports from the NFL Network had the Eagles playing it more cautious with Wentz so the question seems to be whether the bar for Wentz's return was actually set with fairly new technology and perhaps whether his ability to hit a certain threshold becomes consistent.

Pederson mentioned the Eagles had the data from Wentz pre-injury and could see how close he was to that standard.

Nick Foles started Thursday night’s season-opening 18-12 win over the Atlanta Falcons but struggled mightily.

“There is much more optimism that prevails then pessimism," Mortensen said when discussing Wentz on ESPN's "NFL Countdown." "He hasn't been ruled out for Week 2, hasn't been cleared. I think the organizational sources I spoke to say they wouldn’t be surprised if he’s ready for Week 3.”

Pederson is not scheduled to meet the media again until Wednesday of this week. Wentz, meanwhile, will not be made available for reporters until he has been cleared to return.

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973espn.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen

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