Colts: Adam Schefter’s comments on Carson Wentz make Week 1 a reality

The Indianapolis Colts almost pressed the panic button this offseason, as an injury to starting quarterback Carson Wentz that could’ve reportedly sidelined him for the first few weeks of the season had fans spiraling out of control.

While both Jacob Eason and Sam Ehlinger are being given shots to show that they can lead this team to wins in the preseason, the Colts’ chances of taking home a division title are in better hands with Wentz — even after a career-worst campaign in 2020 — than two players with a combined zero NFL pass attempts.

Wentz needs to be managed carefully, as injuries prematurely ended his seasons in 2017 and 2018, while a concussion knocked him out of a playoff game in 2019. Despite the fact that Reich and the Colts are likely proceeding with an abundance of caution, all signs are pointing to No. 2 being out under center in Week 1. And that was further echoed on Thursday by an esteemed NFL insider.

On ESPN’s “Get Up!” this morning, insider Adam Schefter claimed that it “would be an upset” if Wentz was not under center for the Colts’ season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. Considering that the original prognosis suggested he could be out for as long as 12 weeks, this is fantastic news.

Carson Wentz appears ready to start Week 1 for the Colts.

Reich, who served as Wentz’s offensive coordinator with the Eagles when he was performing at an MVP pace during his second season, claimed that Wentz’s foot was “all positive” after a few days of work.

Wentz returned to practice on Monday, and he was showing off the mobility and arm talent that made him such a coveted quarterback prospect in Philadelphia. If everything goes as planned, Marcus Brady’s vision of a high-octane aerial attack can still come to fruition thanks to Wentz.

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The Colts need Wentz healthy because they have a merciless start to the season. Their game against Seattle is followed by a matchup against a Super Bowl contender in the Rams and a road game against the rival Titans.

How do they follow that up? Just a road game against a tough Dolphins defense before taking on Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. In the biggest understatement of the year, that’s a tough way to begin such a pivotal season.

The debate over the backup quarterback spot is not settled yet, though Eason has made a very convincing case. If the Colts want any hope of catching the Titans and winning their trade with the Eagles, they need to make sure Wentz is upright, healthy, and throwing darts.

Coming back from this foot ailment early is a good sign. Now, if they can just fix that offensive line …

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