We’re just two weeks into the season and the Indianapolis Colts already have questions concerning the quarterback position.
After running for his life and keeping the Colts within striking distance against the Rams on Sunday, Carson Wentz was unable to elude an Aaron Donald hit in the fourth quarter. On the play, both of Wentz’s ankles got wrapped underneath the Rams superstar and he never returned to the game.
On Monday, Frank Reich confirmed that Wentz is dealing with sprains to both of his ankles. The Colts are still awaiting the MRI results, but there’s growing concern that Wentz suffered a high-ankle sprain, which typically requires a lengthy recovery.
Wentz expressed his desire to suit up in Week 3 vs Tennessee, but that seems like a longshot at this point.
Well, with so much uncertainty regarding Wentz’s short- and long-term outlook, should Indy consider signing Cam Newton?
Should Carson Wentz be forced to miss a game or two, the #Colts should absolutely consider signing Cam Newton. No doubt about it.
— Evan Massey (@massey_evan) September 19, 2021
Should the Colts sign Cam Newton if Carson Wentz misses real time with his ankle injuries?
We posed this question a few weeks go after Newton was shockingly released by the Patriots, and we vehemently rejected the idea. However, desperate times call for desperate measures and Wentz could realistically be facing an extended period of time on the sideline. Again we’re talking about sprains to BOTH ankles.
And love him or hate him, Newton is the best available free agent right now. Seriously, go look at the list of available quarterbacks: Blake Bortles, Nick Mullens, Jeff Driskel, Brett Hundley and Ryan Finley. Not great!
So, yeah, Newton is the no-brainer choice in that regard. Not to mention … Eason looked overwhelmed in his relief appearance on Sunday, as he tossed an interception to Jalen Ramsey that put the game on ice.
In fairness to Eason, any inexperienced QB would be hard-pressed to come in cold off the bench and lead a game-winning or game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter against one of the NFL’s most fearsome defenses.
Jalen Ramsey waved goodbye to the crowd after picking off QB Jacob Eason late in the fourth quarter.
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) September 19, 2021
Carson Wentz was injured and did not return with just under three minutes remaining.
🎥 @NFLpic.twitter.com/PH6HkNWlmf
Given how he performed in camp and during the preseason, Eason has earned the right to start at least one game (maybe two) and prove he can run the offense in Wentz’s absence. Having said that, general manager Chris Ballard should have Newton’s number on speed dial in the event Eason doesn’t step up to the plate.
In most circumstances, Newton’s opposition towards the vaccine would hold some weight in the Colts’ decision to sign him. However, given that some of their most high-profile players — including Wentz, Quenton Nelson, Eric Fisher and Ryan Kelly — are all unvaccinated, that shouldn’t be held against Newton.
Bottom line? Indy should without question be kicking the tires on signing Newton if Wentz’s injury is as bad as it looked on Sunday.
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