The Indianapolis Colts’ decision to trade for Carson Wentz proved they’re betting on him to be a better version of himself in 2021 and beyond, though that isn’t setting the bar very high given he was arguably the worst quarterback in the league last season.
Of course, the Colts are hoping their infrastructure will help Wentz morph back into the MVP-caliber player he was for the Eagles just a few years ago. Heck, the former No. 2 overall pick’s history with Frank Reich alone suggests Wentz will be a different QB moving forward.
Nobody would argue that Wentz is entering a favorable situation, right? That much is obvious. What isn’t up for debate, however, is that Wentz is putting in the necessary work to position himself to enjoy success in his debut season with the Colts.
This narrative continued this week, as Wentz was spotted getting in a private workout before training camp gets underway in a few weeks. The 28-year-old gunslinger was joined by the likes of Michael Pittman Jr., Parris Campbell, Mo Alie-Cox and Zach Pascal, among others.
It’s awesome to see that Wentz is still striving to develop chemistry with his new teammates. However, we can’t help but wonder why TY Hilton and Jack Doyle didn’t participate.
Where are Doyle & Hilton?
— Jay Robins 🧾mark (@RobinsLucas) July 6, 2021
The Colts missing from Carson Wentz’s private workout are telling.
That’s a fair question, and one that might not have an answer. After all, Hilton and Doyle, for as much as they struggled with consistency in 2020, figure to be major components of the Colts’ passing game this season. Why wouldn’t they be in attendance at this workout?
Let it be known that the last thing we want to do is cast aspersions, as the Colts were given a multi-week vacation after mandatory minicamp to relax before training camp and it’s possible Hilton and Doyle planned a getaway trip with family and/or friends beforehand.
After all, their roster spots are as safe as anybody’s on the team. When you consider how much travel time the NFL schedule — which added a 17th game, by the way — requires, fans could surely understand if Hilton and Doyle chose to spend every last second with family before camp.
If that’s the case, we’d clearly give them the benefit of the doubt. However, it’s a bit concerning that Doyle — who looked off track and out of the passing game in 2020 — and Hilton (who the team took a chance on in terms of a return) didn’t take advantage of the opportunity presented.
#Colts QB Carson Wentz has brought all the offensive skill players to Houston, Texas for pre-training camp workouts 👀👀 (via @Mike_Playmaker’s Instagram): pic.twitter.com/5ObHmarFp1
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) July 6, 2021
Not all of them, unfortunately.
Again, maybe this is a whole lot of nothing. If you recall, Hilton and Wentz enjoyed a throwing session together earlier this offseason. It’s unclear if a Wentz-Doyle workout has materialized since the trade, but the 31-year-old TE is likely excited to play with the former Pro Bowler — and, if not, it’s the card he’s been dealt. Zach Ertz isn’t here.
With that being said, we hear fans in Indy who were unsettled when they first noticed these photos didn’t include two of the team’s most accomplished veterans and proven leaders.
Colts: Darius Leonard’s Carson Wentz comments will make you believe
Darius Leonard's ringing endorsement of Carson Wentz will force fans to believe in the Indianapolis Colts' new quarterback.