Indianapolis Colts fans couldn’t contain their excitement leading up to training camp.
Unfortunately for them, however, the start of camp has been one to forget. First, head coach Frank Reich tested positive for COVID-19 despite being vaccinated.
That news was followed with the Colts placing a string of players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, and confirmation that Darius Leonard would miss the early stages as he recovers from a minor ankle procedure he underwent late in the offseason.
While all debilitating, none of those storylines trump the Carson Wentz narrative. The Colts quarterback reportedly felt a pop in his foot during practice on Thursday and was advised to consult foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson to determine if surgery was necessary.
Well, it would appear a verdict has been reached. After returning to practice after clearing protocols, Reich revealed Wentz will undergo surgery and could miss up to three months.
Breaking: Frank Reich says Carson Wentz had an old foot injury dating back to perhaps high school according to doctors. Over time, the broken bone came loose and caused pain. The decision has been made to undergo surgery and remove it. 5-12 weeks.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) August 2, 2021
Colts QB Carson Wentz will undergo surgery to repair his foot injury.
What devastating news this is for the Colts, who will be without their starting quarterback for potentially the first two months of the season.
Given how difficult their opening schedule is — they’ll play the Seahawks, Rams, Titans, Dolphins and Ravens, respectively, to open the year — Wentz could return from injury with Indy having a steep climb to get back in the playoff hunt. With that in mind, fans better hope Wentz’s recovery lasts closer to the five-week timeframe compared to the 12-week maximum.
If we’re being honest, surgery was probably the smart course of action here, as Wentz was reportedly considering rest and rehab instead of going under the knife.
Think about it like this: would you rather Wentz be available for the start of the season, but feel lingering effects of the injury throughout the season, or opt for surgery and potentially miss the first five weeks of the campaign, but be fully healthy upon returning?
The goal for Carson Wentz was to stay on the field and rehab. That likely would have prolonged the inevitable. Surgery is smart, thought it likely causes him to miss the start of the season. https://t.co/EYTpAJcqnV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 2, 2021
We’d personally side with the latter scenario, and wouldn’t think twice about it … especially considering Wentz’s extensive injury history. There’s no reason to risk it, even though Indy’s season could go off the rails if they get off to a slow start.
So, where do the Colts go from here? Reich and Co. seem to have confidence in Jacob Eason, but the 2019 fourth-rounder’s lack of experience has showed at training camp. The Colts also just signed Brett Hundley, but they were considering that before this bombshell dropped.
Either way, look for the Colts to make another move before the end of the week.
Colts: Carson Wentz injury means Jacob Eason could seize QB2 role
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacob Eason can prove he is a quality backup by performing well while Carson Wentz is on the mend.