When the Indianapolis Colts traded for Carson Wentz, some fans were against the idea considering he was borderline unplayable for the Eagles last season.
Having said that, we also had a three-year sample size of Wentz being one of the best playmaking quarterbacks in the entire NFL. After all, he took the Eagles to the playoffs in 2019 with a makeshift offensive line and a receiving corps made up of practice squad regulars.
Surely, he could figure it out behind the Colts’ formidable offensive line and surrounded by a dynamic group of pass catchers and elite rushing attack, right?
We certainly like to think so. However, if there was one other drawback to the Colts acquiring Wentz, other than his shambolic 2020, it was his injury history.
We’ll get more into that in a minute. For now, fans should be aware that Wentz’s injury troubles have already popped up just three days into camp. Per insider Jim Ayello of the Indianapolis Star, the 28-year-old quarterback won’t practice Friday due to a foot injury.
Carson Wentz will not practice today. He’s dealing with a foot injury.
— Jim Ayello (@jimayello) July 30, 2021
But it got worse about an hour later. Wentz is now out indefinitely as he undergoes further testing, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Colts' QB Carson Wentz is out indefinitely as he undergoes further testing on a foot injury that he suffered at the end of Thursday's practice, per @MikeWellsNFL and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 30, 2021
Colts' second-year QB Jacob Eason took the starter reps at today's practice, with Sam Ellinger as his backup.
The Colts are already dealing with serious Carson Wentz issues.
It’s worth noting that veterans like TY Hilton, Jack Doyle and Quenton Nelson, even though he’s been in the league for just three years, were all given rest days on Friday. Taking that into account, maybe the Colts are merely being precautionary with their franchise quarterback?
While we hear that side of the argument, we’re talking about a player learning a new offensive system. If any “veteran” needs to be on the field for almost every day (and snap) of camp, it’s Wentz, who still might need to win over some of his teammates and coaches.
All options are on the table, including a minor surgical procedure. The hope is to avoid it, but it’s possible. Either way, if Carson Wentz misses games it’s not likely to be many. https://t.co/Td3c1unuAd
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2021
That isn’t to say the locker room doubts Wentz. However, they obviously paid attention to the storylines in Philly last year. They’re also no doubt aware of his extensive injury history, which includes a torn ACL (2017), a concussion (2019 playoffs), stress fracture in his back (2018), a hairline rib fracture (2016), and a broken wrist suffered in college at North Dakota State.
Now an ominous foot injury? We really can’t feel good about that.
The Colts are scheduled to practice on Saturday, with their first official off day of camp on Sunday. Hopefully we’ll have more information by then, and hopefully it really doesn’t hinder him in his first full offseason with his new team … or else the Colts entire season will be upended.
Colts Super Bowl Odds
Prior to Wentz’s indefinite injury, the Colts were +2500 to win the Super Bowl, per WynnBET. Expect this uncertainty to make those plummet considerably.
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