The Indianapolis Colts currently have four quarterbacks on the roster — Carson Wentz chief among them — but they’ve been snakebitten with poor health at the position. With rookie Sam Ehlinger out with a sprained knee and Wentz dealing with two ankle injuries, that leaves Jacob Eason and Brett Hundley as the last men standing.
From a stylistic point of view, these two quarterbacks could not be more different. While Eason is a second-year gunslinger who could throw a ball 60 yards on a line despite mobility concerns, Hundley is a veteran who appears better at making plays with his legs than throwing from the pocket consistently.
If Wentz is unable to suit up for their matchup against Ryan Tannehill and the rival Tennessee Titans in Week 3, Indianapolis might be forced to do something so drastic that it is almost unheard of in the modern NFL. The Colts look ready to split the reps in this game between two undesirable QBs.
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Hundley took the majority of the starter reps in Wednesday’s practice, leading some to believe that he and Eason will share time under center. At the very least, we can assert no one had this development on their 2021 season bingo card.
#Colts practice squad QB Brett Hundley took the majority of starter reps in practice Wednesday, and he and Jacob Eason may both play against the #Titans if Carson Wentz is out, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 23, 2021
There’s still hope Wentz (ankles) can play. Final decision may not come until Sunday.
Will Jacob Eason and Brett Hundley split time for the Colts?
While Eason was intercepted in his NFL debut in relief of Wentz, he put together a very strong preseason and still has impressive arm strength. Perhaps he’s either not picking up the playbook or delivering the ball accurately in practice, as it seems puzzling that they have such a lack of faith in him this close to game day.
The only extended action Hundley has had in the NFL was with the Green Bay Packers in 2017. The Packers went just 3-6 in Hundley’s nine stars in relief of Aaron Rodgers, as he threw more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (9). Still, he ran for 270 yards and two scores in those games.
Report: Brett Hundley took majority of starter reps for Colts on Wednesday. https://t.co/Vj4LdzhegG
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 23, 2021
This seems like a very unwise strategy because the contrasting styles between Hundley and Eason mean that Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Marcus Brady will essentially have to create two different game plans. Then again, we’ve seen more unconventional things work in the NFL.
The Colts have enough on their plate already, as they need to deal with offensive line troubles and a continued tough schedule. With the Wentz injury and this planned two-quarterback system making things even harder, Indianapolis may need to brace for a very rocky road ahead.
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