It’s evident each and every week in the NFL is about strategy and that the Indianapolis Colts need to hold their cards close to their chest … but are they really fooling anybody by acting as if Carson Wentz might have a chance to start at quarterback on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans?
And if they’re not actually trying to fool anyone … are they insane? He has two sprained ankles, one of which is of the “high” variety, and you’re going to push an injury-prone mobile quarterback who’s had a terrible offensive line in front of him into action while his ailments have hardly had time to heal?
We guess that’s what happens when you’re 0-2 and now have a crucial division matchup that could put you in an 0-3 hole … but are you really going to risk the entire season by putting a hobbled Wentz under center when his calling card through his first two games with the Colts has been eluding constant pressure and making plays with his legs?
Wentz told reporters today that he and the Colts’ medical team are “throwing the kitchen sink” at trying to get healthy for Week 3. That seems … dangerous.
A boot-less Carson Wentz, talking about both sprained ankles. Says right is much worse than left. Still sore. Last 48 hours:
— Taylor Tannebaum (@TaylorTannebaum) September 22, 2021
“A lot of treatment. Throwing kitchen sink at it trying to get healthy.” #Colts pic.twitter.com/EdoX81G5da
Is it worth it to start Carson Wentz in the Colts’ Week 3 matchup vs Tennessee?
To our knowledge, we’re really not sure how you can expedite healing a high ankle sprain. Treatment can only go so far, especially when you’re walking on two injured ankles. And we’re also really not sure how “ready” Wentz will be even if he’s ready to take the field.
If he’s not able to escape pressure in an efficient manner, will he be that much more effective than Jacob Eason? Or, we guess … Brett Hundley. My goodness, this is getting bad. No wonder the Colts are trying to make sure Wentz is the starter on Sunday.
Expect the Colts to elevate QB Brett Hundley from the practice squad this week, and don't be stunned if he's at least in the conversation to see snaps on Sunday. Asked twice about it today, Frank Reich would not confirm Jacob Eason will start if Carson Wentz can't go.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) September 22, 2021
It didn’t take long for Wentz’s injury history to upend the Colts’ plans … and the front office has largely contributed to this by not bringing in a viable backup who’d be able to seamlessly step in on a week-to-week basis given how Wentz struggles to stay healthy. Remember last year they opted not to trade Jacoby Brissett, who was making almost $15 million, and instead keep him alongside Philip Rivers, who was making $25 million, only to watch the ultra-durable Rivers play all 16 games?
Seems they went in the opposite direction this year by putting an irresponsible amount of faith in Eason, who had taken zero career NFL snaps heading into this year, under the assumption Wentz wouldn’t miss time with an injury?
All of this is confusing, but Colts fans have to feel their season is on the line regardless of who is starting under center on Sunday. But it feels a bit more grim if the decision is to risk Wentz’s long-term health regardless if they have an “easy” out of his contract after this year or not.
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